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Array PROCEEDINGS
OF THE
THIRTY-FOURTH ANNUAL SESSION
OF THE
GRAND LODGE
OF BRITISH COLUMBIA
OF THE
INDEPENDENT ORDER OF
ODD FELLOWS
HELD AT NEW WESTMINSTER, B. G
June JOth and Uth
1908
(
The Thos. R. Cusack Press, Victoria. PROCEEDINGS
OF THE
THIRTY-FOURTH ANNUAL SESSION
OF THE
GRAND LODGE
OF BRITISH COLUMBIA
OF THE
INDEPENDENT ORDER
OF ODD FELLOWS
HELD AT NEW WESTMINSTER, B.C
June 10th and 11th, 1908
The Thos. R. Cusack Press
Victoria, B. C. PROCEEDINGS
OF THE
Grand Lodge of British Columbia
I O- O. R
THIRTY-FOURTH ANNUAL SESSION
Odd Feeeows TTaee,
Spl Westminster, B.C.,
10th June, 190S.
The Grand Lodge convened at 9 o'clock a.m. on the above
date, pursuant to notice.
Present:—
T. Embleton . Grand Master
H. T. Fueton Deputy Grand Master
W. Law Grand Warden
Feed. Davey Grand Secretary
E. L. Webber Grand Treasurer
D. E. Mackenzie, P.G.M Grand Representative
D. G. Daieey Grand Representative
G. R. Xorthey . . . . Grand Marshal
F. J. Smyth Grand Conductor
H. Fooks Grand Guardian
T. Johnson Grand Herald
The Grand Master appointed A. P. Halladay, No. 27,
Grand Chaplain pro teni.
All present were examined and found properly qualified.
The Grand Secretary reported a quorum present. 2732
The Grand Chaplain invoked the Divine blessing, after
which the Grand Lodge was declared open for business.
The Grand Secretary presented the credentials of the
Representatives elect and of the Past Grands entitled to the
Grand Lodge Degree which were referred to a Committee
on Credentials consisting of P. W. Dempster, ~No. 2; F. J.
Squire, Xo. 16, and J. A. McKay, No. 8.
The Committee on Credentials presented the following
J. O VVJ-L U YV-LIJU^JLL VV 0,0 CLKJ.\J V I CT^l .
To the Grand Lodge of British Columbia, I. 0.
0. F.
Your Committee on Credentials beg to
examined the Credentials of the Representatives
report that we have
elected for the ensuine
year and fmd.the following entitled to seats in the Grand Lodge:
Lodge. Representatives.
Alternates.
Victoria No. 1 J. York
F. Nelson.
P. A. McLean
W. H. E. Dinsmore
Columbia No. 2 P. W. Dempster
J. Pottinger.
D. Dewar
F. Taylor.
Royal City, No. 3 C. S. Keith
C. E. Osborne
M. J. Phillips
J. R. Benson.
Dominion, No. 4 W. H. Cullin
J. Bell.
R. Drake
E. Bragg.
Black Diamond, No. 5 J. R. McKenzie
A. Forrester.
T. Dixon
S. Woodcock.
Harmony, No. 6 W. Steele
J. Currie.
S. Jones
J. McCulloch.
'
Excelsior, No. 7 F. Nelmes.
J. Peers.
Vancouver, No. 8 J. A. McKay
N. Jensen.
W. R. Jamieson
G. McCartney.
Tatnai, No. 9 C. I. Chapman
P. A. Gibson.
J. R. McNab
W. J. Kerr.
Western Star, No. 10 A. Cleland
E. P. Dennis.
E. V. Batstone
F. P. Bishop.
Union, No. 11 W. Walker
R. Hornal.
Selkirk, No. 12 R. McDonald
E. Trimble.
H. Laugh Ian
W. Foster.
Cloverdale, No. 15 A. Matheson
R. D. Mackenzie.
Kootenay, No. 16 D. H. Proudfoot
G. Horstead.
F. J. Squire
J. H. R. Christie.
Duncan, No. 17 R. Evans
W. Dingwall.
Vernon Valley, No. 18 S. A. Shatford
T. Moffet.
Mt. Pleasant, No. 19 G. A. Miller
F. Trimble.
Centennial, No. 20 Harry McKenzie
W. J. Ferguson.
E. Rogers
J. Neen.
Delta, No. 21 G.T.Baker
N. A. McDermid. 2733
Lodge. Representatives. Alternates.
Ashcroft, Xo. 23 J. C. Smith M. Dumond.
Island, No. 24 Hugh McKenzie W. H. Buckingham.
Pacific, No. 26 W. H. Walsh . T. B. Godfrey.
W. A. Johnstone A. McKelvie.
Amity, No. 27 W. C. Coatham A.Adams.
N. R. Brown A. P. Halladay.
Cheam, No. 28 J. Tyrer A. Horwell.
Rocky Mountain, No. 34... C. A. Warren A. Wixon.
Rossland, No. 36 Saml Patterson E. Johnson.
J. A. McLeod P. R. McDonald.
Boundary Valley, No. 38...G. B. Taylor E. F. Smith.
W. Elson E. Mortimer.
Silver City, No. 39 D. Anderson H. Leake.
Slocan, No. 40 R. E. Allen W. Clough.
Trout Lake, No. 41 F. Mummery D. R. McLennan.
Key City, No. 42 W. S. McDonald C. Smith.
Enterprise, No. 43 F. P. Day W. Jackson.
A. Donaldson E. Harkness.
Wildey, No. 44. ; F. J. Smyth A. G. Monkhouse.
Gateway, No. 45 G. H. Rutherford G. Chappie.
Snowshoe, No. 46 J. F. McDougall R. Silverthorn.
T. Johnson M. Martin.
Mt. Fernie, No. 47 R. Dudley G. Clapp.
Thos. Bell J. E. Covert.
Coronation, No. 48 W. J. Smith H. Hawkins.
Camborne, No. 49 J. A. McDowell G. R. Northey.
Eureka, No. 50 W. A. Mack R. E. Wheeler.
Princeton, No. 52 J. R. Campbell P. Y. Smith.
Also that the following Past Grands are entitled to the Grand
Lodge Degree:—
Victoria Lodge, No. 1... P. M. Linklater, W. McKay.
Columbia " No. 2...J. Minto, A. P. McConnell.
Royal City " No. 3...H. M. Welsh, C. H. Clow.
Dominion " No. 4.. .F. Dresser, J. Richmond.
Black Diamond " No. 5...E. D. Jones, S. Woodcock.
Harmony " No. 6...S. Jones, W. W. Walkem.
Excelsior " No. 7...F. Gillanders, F. Nelmes.
Vancouver " No. 8.. .N. Jensen.
Tatnai " No. 9...J. R. McNab.
Union " No. 11.. .R. Hornal, W. Walker.
Selkirk " No. 12... H. Laughlan, E. Trimble.
Kootenay " No. 16...J. R. Hunter.
Duncan " No. 17.. .R. Evans.
Vernon Valley " No. 18... J. Moffet.
Mt. Pleasant " No. 19...G. A. Miller.
Centennial " No. 20... Hy. McKenzie, T. G. Snowden.
Delta " No. 21... A. A. King, G. T. Baker.
Ashcroft " No. 23... J. O. Haddock.
Island " No. 24.. .Hugh McKenzie, W. H. Buckingham.
Pacific " No. 26... J. F. Watkins, R. W. Godfrey.
Amity " No. 27... S. Gregory, C. S. Richmond.
Cheam " No.28...S. T. McGauley. Rossland
Boundary Valley
Silver City
Slocan
Enterprise
Wildey
Gateway
Snowshoe
Mt. Fernie
Coronation
Eureka
Princeton
No. 36
No. 38
Xo. 39
No. 40
Xo. 43
No. 44
No. 43
No. 46
No. 47
No. 48
No. SO
No. 52
2734
.. S. Patterson, J. A. McLeod.
..A. E. Braithwaite.
.. H. Anderson.
..R. E. Allen.
.. A. Donaldson, F. P. Day.
.. A. G. Monkhouse.
.. G. H. Rutherford, G. Chappie.
.. T. Johnson, J. F. McDougall.
..R. Dudley, T. Bell.
..W. J. Smith.
..W. A. Mack, R. E. Wheeler.
..J. R. Campbell, P. Y. Smith.
Signed by the Committee.
J. A. Young, P.G.M., of the Jurisdiction of Ontario,
was announced in waiting. The Grand Master appointed
A. Henderson, P.G.M., Xo. 2, and J. A. McKay, Xo. 8, to
retire and introduce the brother who was admitted and cordially welcomed to the Grand Lodge.
The Past Grands in waiting: were admitted and the
Grand Lodge Degree was conferred on the following: D.
Dewar, Xo. 2; C. K Clow, H. M. Welsh, C. E. Osborne,
Xo. 3; F. Xelmes, Xo. 7; X. Jensen, Xo. 8; C. I. Chapman, Xo. 9 ; W. Y/alker, Xo. 11; R. McDonald, E. Trimble
Xo. 12; A. D. Mathieson, Xo. 15; J. R. Hunter, Xo. 16
R. Evans, Xo. 17; J. F. Moffet, Xo. 18; F Trimble, Xo,
19; Henry McKenzie, Xo. 20; G. T. Baker, Xo. 21
C. S. Richmond, J. Chambers, C. H. Diamond, Xo. 27
J. Tyrer, Xo. 28; S. Pater son, J. A. McLeod, Xo. 36
R. E. Allen, Xo. 40; W. S. McDonald, Xo. 42; A. Donaldson, F. P. Day, Xo. 43; J. F. McDougall, Xo. 46; R.
Dudley, Thos. Bell, Xo. 47; W. J. Smith, Xo. 48; J. A
McDowell, Xo. 49; W. A. Mack, Xo. 50; P. I
Xo. 52.
Smith.
The Roll of Officers and Representatives was called.
The Grand Lodge took a recess for the purpose of receiving the Mayor of the city, AY. H. Keary, Esq. D. E. Mackenzie, P.G.M., G.R., introduced His Worship, who was
cordially welcomed by the Grand Master and invited to a
seat on his right.
His Worship addressed the Grand Lodge and heartily
welcomed it to the city. He reviewed the evolution of the 2735
Order in the Province since the institution of the first Lodge
in the City in 1871.
He granted the freedom of the City to the Representatives, hoped they would have a pleasant and successful session and extended an invitation to all to a trolley ride this
afternoon.
The Grand Master appropriately replied on behalf of
the Grand Lodge.
His Worship having retired the Grand Lodge resumed
business.
The minutes of previous Session was on motion adopted
as printed.
It was, on motion, Resolved, That the Badges supplied
by the Local Entertainment Committee be recognized as
proper regalia during this Session.
The Grand Master announced that he would appoint the
following Special Committees for the present Session, viz.:
Correspondence, Odd Fellows Home, Rebekah Lodges and
Resolutions.
The Grand Secretary appointed D. G. Dailey, Grand
Representative, Xo. 5, as Custodian of the Secret Work
during the Session.
The Grand Master made the necessary appointments to
fill the Standing and Special Committees, which when complete, consisted of the following:
Finance.—P. W. Dempster, No. 2; W. A. Johnston, No. 26; C. S.
Keith, No. 3; D. H. Proudfoot, No. 16; C. A. Warren, No. 34.
Appeals.—W. H. Walsh, No. 26; W. Elson, No. 38; J. Tyrer, No.
28; W. A. Mack, No. 50; F. P. Day, No. 43.
Laws of Subordinates.—Grand Secretary, W. J. Smith, No. 48; J.
A. McDowell, No. 49; W. J. Ferguson, No. 20; J. A. McLeod, No. 36.
Petitions.—M. J. Phillips, No. 3; J. C. Smith, No. 23; A. Donaldson, No. 43; P. Y. Smith, No. 52.
State of the Order.—T. F. Neelands, P. G. M., No. 8; F. J.
Smyth, No. 44; T. Johnson, No. 46; J. York, No. 1; R. Drake, No. 4. 273&
f
Legislation.—A. Henderson, P. G. M., No. 2; F. J. Squire, No. 16;
N. R. Brown, No. 27; A. Forrester, No. 5; R. Dudley, No. 47.
Judiciary.—D. E. Mackenzie, P. G. M., No. 3; G. B. Taylor, No.
38; A. Cleland, No. 10; C I. Chapman, No. 9; P. A. McLean, No. 1.
Mileage and Per Diem.—E. V. Batstone, No. 10; D. Dewar," No.
2; W. Steele, No. 6; R. McDonald, No. 12; G. H. Rutherford, No. 45.
Printing.—Grand Secretary, W. H. Cullin, No. 4; H. McKenzie,
No. 24; G. T. Baker, No. 21. '
Statistics re Dues and Benefits.—Grand Secretary, F. Muntnery,
No. 41; T. Dixon, No. 5; E.Trimble, No. 12.
Rebekah Lodges.—W. C. Coatham, No. 27; R. Evans, No. 17; S.
Patterson, No. 36; T. Bell, No. 47; H. McKenzie, No. 20.
Resolutions.—F. Trimble, No. 19; S. Jones, No. 6; D. Anderson,
No. 39.
Correspondence.—N. Jensen, No. 8; R. E. Allen, No. 40; W.
Walker, No. 11.
Odd Fellows' Home.—J. A. McKay, No. 8; J. R. McNab, No. 9;
J. F. McDougall, No. 46; F. Nelmes, No. 7; W. S. McDonald, No. 42.
The Grand Secretary presented the Reports of the Grand
Lodge Officers in printed form, which were on motion referred to a Committee on Distribution.
The Grand Master appointed the following to form the
Committee on Distribution: A. Henderson, P.G.M., Xo. 2;
T. F. Xeelands, P.G.M., Xo. 8; A. Forrester, Xo. 5.
Grand Master's Report.
To the Officers and Members of the Grand Lodge of British Columbia,
I. 0. O. F.
Brethren,—At the close of my term of office, in accordance with
our laws and usages, I beg to submit a report as to the condition of
our Order in this jurisdiction, and of my work during the year.
To this, the 34th Session of our Grand Lodge, I bid you all welcome. To many it is no new experience to meet in annual convention 2737
at our Grand Lodge meetings, while others in attending this Grand
Lodge for the first time, will be taking as it were a higher degree
in Oddfellowship than they have hitherto attained. May one and
all obtain pleasure and profit in the deliberations of this assembly.
May enthusiasm fill your hearts and minds, may harmony pervade our
meetings and may success attend all our efforts as we seek to advance
Oddfellowship.
One year ago when I accepted the office of Grand Master at your
hands, I did so with mingled feelings of pleasure and regret; pleasure
that you reposed confidence enough in me to elect me to that honorable
position; with regret because I felt that I could not devote the time
necessary to the duties of the office to make my administration a
credit to the Order and myself. The year's work has been one of
pleasure to me, and my only regret is that I could not have done more
and better work. I have tried to administer the duties of my office
in an impartial manner and according to the laws governing the same.
Imperfect as a work of this kind must necessarily be, I trust I have
in some measure met your requirements and expectations, and that
you will let the broad mantle of charity cover all the imperfections.
As we take up the various questions at this session for consideration
and discussion let the principles of our Order, friendship, love and
truth, predominate, that whatever we may do shall result in the
greatest good for the greatest number.
STATE OF THE ORDER.
It is a pleasure to report that the Order in this jurisdiction is in
a prosperous condition. During the past year the increase in membership for this jurisdiction has been greater than that of any preceding
year except the year 1894, when the increase was the largest in the
history of our Order in this province.
SUBORDINATE LODGES.
We have gained in Subordinate Lodge membership for the year
ending Dec. 31st, 1907, 402, which is an increase of over I0y2 per cent.,
And the reports I have received since the beginning of this year
indicate that the increase will be maintained during 1908.
As to the financial condition of our Order I will refer you to
the Grand Secretary's report.
NECROLOGY.
During the year a valuable member of this Grand Lodge has
passed away in the person of Past Grand Master Jos. E. Phillips of
Victoria, who died in January of this year. He rendered the Order
good service and his place will be hard to fill. REBEKAH BRANCH.
The year 1907 was the banner year for the Rebekah Branch of
our Order in this jurisdiction, which shows a gain of 315, or in other
words an increase of over 37JA per cent.
NEW REBEKAH LODGE.
September 23rd, 1907, I had the honor of instituting Naomi
Rebekah Lodge/ No. 21, at Revelstoke, which was organized with a
membership of 34. The indications are that they will soon have one
of the largest lodges in the jurisdiction.
REBEKAH ASSEMBLY.
At the last session of the Grand Lodge a petition was presented
from the Rebekah Lodges of this jurisdiction requesting a Charter
for the institution of a Rebekah Assembly, which was granted, and we
have made preparations to have it instituted on the evening of June
9th, 1908.
I have had several communications in reference to instituting a
Rebekah Lodge at Cumberland.
APPOINTMENTS OF DISTRICT DEPUTY GRAND MASTERS.
June 27, 1907—W. S. Cook for District No. 19, comprising lodges
No. 38 and 46, Bro. W. Elson wishing to be excused.
June 27, 1907—T. L. Crossen for District Xo. 29, comprising lodge-
No. 45.
August 5, 1907—Mrs. Nettie Dingman, District No. 11, comprising
Rebekah Lodge No. 19, Bro. W. F. Tate having resigned.
September 18, 1907—D. Anderson, District No. 20, comprising
Lodge No. 39, Bro. W. J. Garbutt having resigned.
September 27/ 1907—Robt. Dudley, District No. 25, comprising
Lodge No. 47, Bro. T. H. White having resigned.
November 7, 1907—Eric Harkness, for District No. 18, comprising
Lodges No. 36 and 43, Bro. H. Douglas having resigned.
July 2nd, 1907—Installed the officers of Enterprise Lodge No. 43,
Trail.
July 8th, 1907—Installed the officers of Rossland Lodge, No. 36,
and Rebekah Lodge No. 13, at a joint installation. As instructed by you at the last session I caused a wreath to be
placed on the coffin of our late Bro. Wm. McColl, P.G.M., P.G.R., as
a tribute of respect from this Grand Lodge.
I also endorsed the thoughtful and sympathetic action of Bro.
Davey, Grand Secretary, in placing a wreath on the coffin of our late
Bro. Jos. E. Phillips, P.G.M., P.G.R., of Victoria.
With us their names shall live
Through all succeeding years,
Embalmed with all our hearts can give,
Our praises and our tears.
PROCLAMATIONS.
The usual proclamations for the due observance of Anniversary
and Memorial days were issued. The natal day of our Order is
generally celebrated and it is hoped that the lodges who have suffered
loss of membership by death will more generally adopt the custom of
observing Memorial Day.
CORRESPONDENCE.
Rossland, B.C., Aug. 10, 1907.
F. A. Rogers, Esq., Grand Master I.O.O.F., Reading, Mich.
Dear Sir and Bro,—I wish to call your attention to the fact that
one of your Lodges is not using the Official receipt issued by the
Sovereign Grand Lodge.
The case I have reference to came under my personal notice
while attending a meeting of my own lodge.
W. J. Jewell, a member of Calumet Lodge, No. 134, of Calumet,
Mich., presented his receipt for purpose of visiting Rossland Lodge,
No. 36, and on a common receipt form, therefore, he was refused
admission.
Now such business as that works a hardship not only on the
brother, but on the Lodge he intends to visit, for the members of our
Lodge were very sorry to refuse Bro. Jewell admission, but the
Sovereign Grand Lodge has made the laws, and it is our duty to see
that they are enforced. 274°
Trusting that you will draw the attention of the Lodge to the
matter.
Yours fraternally,
THOS. EMBLETON,
Grand Master.
Reading, Mich., Aug. 16, 1907.
Thos. Embleton, Grand Master, Rossland, B.C.
Dear Sir and Brother,—I am in receipt of your favour of the 10th
calling my attention to the fact that one of the lodges in this jurisdiction is not complying with the law in the use of the official receipt.
I thank you for the information and I assure you that the matter,
will be brought to the attention of the offending lodge.
With kindest regards and fraternal greetings, I am,
Truly and fraternally,
FRED. A. ROGERS,
Grand Master.
Chicago, 111., October 1, 1907.
Hon. Thos. Embleton, Grand Master, Rossland, B.C.
Dear Brother Embleton,—One year ago I wrote each Grand
Master of the necessity of putting forth a systematic effort—all working together—in order to continue to build up our great fraternity and
to keep it in the very front in fraternal work. It is important for
the Grand Master to take the initiative as the subordinate and Rebekah
Lodges will follow as he leads. He should undertake to make a net
gain of ten per cent, in his jurisdiction by keeping the members now
enrolled and by admitting to membership men of good character in
every community. He should encourage lodges to do the very best
work—to confer the degrees in the best possible manner. It is
important that a Grand Master receive a report from each lodge in
his jurisdiction once a month and when from such reports he finds
a lodge doing exceptionally well either in increasing its membership
or in conferring degrees or in conducting some public function by
means of which the Order is brought to the attention of good people,
he should write such a lodge a letter of congratulation. Such letters
are a great stimulus. If a small lodge that has been at a standstill
for several years begins to show signs of life he should notice it by
writing the lodge a letter of commendation. As is the Grand Master
so is the jurisdiction. 274i
The recent session of the Sovereign Grand Lodge was a most
successful one. The reports showed substantial gains for 1906 and
the gains for 1907 will be even greater. The adoption of the report
of the Committee on Revision of the Subordinate Ritual and the
unanimous decision of the Sovereign Grand Lodge to exchange the
rituals for the old ones without cost to the lodges should be helpful
in arousing enthusiastic interest in every jurisdiction.
Now, my dear brother, I shall be pleased to hear from you as often
as convenient and if there is anything I can do to assist you it will
be cheerfully done.
Trusting that your work is moving along successfully and with
best wishes, I am,
Cordially and fraternally yours,
E. S. CONWAY,
Grand Sire.
Rossland, B.C., Oct. 28, 1907.
E. S. Conway, Esq., Grand Sire, I.O.O.F.,
79 Dearborn Street, Chicago, 111.
Dear Brother Conway,—I am in receipt of your most kind and
welcome letter of the 1st inst., and very much pleased to learn of
the substantial increase our noble Order has made during the past
year, and I believe with you that the increase will be greater for 1907.
As to this Jurisdiction of which it is my great pleasure and honour
to be the present Grand Master. I have just returned from a trip of
considerable magnitude, having visited thirty-two lodges, all of which I
found in a most flourishing condition, both in membership and financially.
The increase in Subordinate Lodges for the first six months of
this year was 209, which is the largest we have had for several years,
and I firmly believe that the increase this term will be equal if not
greater than last. Our membership at the beginning of this year was
3,809 and at the end of June was 4,018, and with the_ same proportion
of increase this term we should have attained the desired ten per cent.
The Rebekah branch of the Order is doing remarkably well. At
the beginning of the year the membership was 836, and there has been
four new Lodges instituted since then, which I think will bring the
total over 1,000. 2742
At the last Session of the Grand Lodge application was made for
a Charter to institute a Rebekah Assembly, which I think will be a very
great benefit to this branch of our Order, for at the present time after
going through the chairs there is nothing further to aspire to and the
Assembly will be something to look forward to, and I think it will
draw them together and result in much greater interest, and more
fruitful work.
I have the honour to be,
Yours sincerely and fraternally,
THOS. EMBLETON,
Grand Master, Province of British Columbia.
Chicago, 111., November 5th, 1907.
Hon. Thomas Embleton, Grand Master, Rossland, B.C.
Dear Brother Embleton,—Your esteemed favor of the 28th ult.,
in answer to my letter to you, received, and I assure you that I am
much gratified to know of the excellent outlook of our Order in your
jurisdiction. I am very much pleased indeed to know that the Rebekah
Branch of our Order is also doing so well and that a charter has been
issued for a Rebekah Assembly. I am sure if the Rebekah lodges
and Subordinate lodges work in harmony, as they usually do, that
much can be accomplished that would not otherwise be possible.
With congratulations and best wishes, I am,
Cordially and fraternally yours,
E. S. CONWAY,
Grand Sire.
Chicago, 111., January 15th, 1908.
Hon. Thomas Embleton, Grand Master, Rossland, B.C.
Dear Brother Embleton,—Kindly inform me as to the growth of
our Order in your Jurisdiction during 1907 and also let me know if
any special work has been done that is of general interest. For that
part of the year 1907 not covered by your reports you can give an
approximate estimate. I wish this information at your early convenience—not later than March 1st, 1908.
Cordially and fraternally yours,
E. S. CONWAY,
Grand Sire. 2743
Rossland, B.C., Feb. 22, 1908.
Hon. E. S. Conway, Grand Sire I.O.O.F.,
79 Dearborn St., Chicago, 111.
Dear Bro. Conway,—In answer to your letter of January 15th,
in reference to the growth of our Order in this jurisdiction for the
year 1907, I am glad to-be able to report a very substantial increase
in both branches. We have gained more than the 10 per cent, asked
for. At the beginning of 1907 our Subordinate membership was 3,809
with 39 lodges, and during the year we have instituted two new lodges,
and gained 402 members, which makes our membership at the end of
the year 4,211, and 41 lodges.
I am looking forward to the institution of two or three new lodges
before the expiration of my term in June.
The Rebekah membership at the beginning of the year was 836,
with 10 lodges. We have instituted four new lodges and gained 315
members, which makes the present membership 1,151, with 14 lodges.
I think the only thing most entitled to special mention is the work
of raising a fund to establish an Oddfellows Home, as at the present
time we have about $6,000 in the bank for that purpose, and I have
every reason to believe will be greatly increased by the time the Grand
Lodge meets.
I am informed by Bro. D. E. McKenzie, G.R., that it is your
intention to visit the Grand Lodges of Idaho and Washington in the
month of June, and that there is a probability of your visiting this
jurisdiction at the same time. I hasten to extend to you on behalf
of the Grand Lodge a most cordial invitation to do so, and if you
will kindly give me the date of your intended visit we would endeavour
to make the date of our Grand Lodge meeting coincide with those of
Idaho and Washington, and we will spare no pains to make your
visit pleasant as well as profitable, from a fraternal standpoint.
I have the honour to be,
Yours fraternally,
THOS. EMBLETON,
Grand Master.
Chicago, 111., March 6th, 1908.
Hon. Thomas Embleton, Grand Master, Rossland, B.C.
Dear Brother Embleton,—Both of your favors received and I am
delighted to know that you are able to make such an excellent report.
Accept my congratulations and I wish to thank you for the wonderful
record that you have made as Grand Master.
Relative to visiting your Grand Lodge I have already written
Grand Representative MacKenzie that I fear that it will be impossible for me to be with you. I am sure that I would be much delighted
to visit your Grand Lodge.
Cordially and fraternally yours,
E. S. CONWAY,
Grand Sire.
Strathcona, Alta, March 19, 1908.
To the Grand Master of Grand Lodge of British Columbia, I.O.O.F.
Dear Sir and Brother,—We, the Odfellows' Building Association
of Strathcona (Alberta), Limited, respectfully ask you to grant
us a Dispensation to sell shares in the above named association, in
your jurisdiction. We have a Dispensation from the Grand Master
of Alberta, but I have just found out that that does not cover other
jurisdictions. I have already sent some circular letters to lodges in'
your jurisdiction (a copy of which I enclose), but would like to have
the Dispensation before sending any more. Your prompt attention
would greatly oblige.
Yours fraternally,
A.
E. AUSTIN,
Secretary OB.A.
Rossland, B.C., April 7, 1908.
Austin, Esq., Strathcona, Alta.
Dear Sir and Bro.,—I am in receipt of your communication oi
March 19th, through Bro. A. M. Russell, Secretary of Vancouver
Lodge, No. 8, Vancouver, asking for a Dispensation to allow the
Oddfellows' Building Association, Limited, of Strathcona, to sell
shares to lodges or members of this jurisdiction.
According to the laws laid down in Busbee's Digest, page 514.
sections 1908, 1909 and 1910, I am unable to grant your request until
you comply with the above law, which, if granted by me would mean
that I would have to instruct the Grand Secretary of this jurisdiction
to issue a circular to each subordinate lodge stating the circumstances
for which you are applying for aid, therefore it not being a matter
of urgent relief, I don't think I would be justified in granting your
request.
Yours fraternally,
THOS. EMBLETON,
Grand Master. 2745
Rossland, B.C., 16th March, 1908.
To the Subordinate Lodges of the Grand Lodge of B.C., I.O.O.F.
Dear Sirs and Brothers,—The following copy of a letter received
from the Grand Sire is forwarded for the information and guidance
of the Subordinate Lodges of this Jurisdiction.
Attest:
FRED. DAVEY,
Grand Secretary.
Yours fraternally,
THOS. EMBLETON,
Grand Master.
Sovereign Grand Lodge of the I.O.O.F.
Office of the Grand Sire.
Chicago, 111., March 5, 1908.
To all Grand Masters, I.O.O.F.
Dear Brothers,—Information again comes to this office of the
circulation among lodges of spurious publications purporting to be the
secret or unwritten work of this Order, and as the revised ritual will
soon be in possession of the lodges, it is deemed proper in the interest
of the correctness and uniformity of the work, and also for the preservation and carrying out of the law of the Order, that a letter or
proclamation should be issued by each and every Grand Master directed
to all subordinate lodges in the Jurisdictions respectively, calling
attention to the law stated in Sections 1962 and 2246 of Busbee's
Digest of 1903, which provides that issuing, exhibiting or having
in possession any printing, publication or other device purporting to
be the unwritten work of Odd Fellowship, abbreviation or memorandum of such unwritten work, is conduct grossly unbecoming an
Odd Fellow, and on conviction requires expulsion from the Order, the
only- exception being that the same does not apply to such members
as are in legal possession of the cipher books issued by The Sovereign
Grand Lodge when obtained from their subordinate lodges respectively.
Under Section 2246 above cited, it is a gross violation of the law
for a lodge to use or" have in its possession any work purporting to
be the secret work of Odd Fellowship, except that issued by The
Sovereign Grand Lodge.
// the entire membership of the Order will loyally conform to the
law, it will be impossible for the publishers of spurious literature to
iind a market for their products. Not only are such spurious publications misleading, but it is immaterial how nearly correct any of them
mi
ght be, as their use is clearly and positively forbidden.
I, therefore, request that you at your very earliest convenience
issue a proclamation to all the subordinates of your Jurisdiction on the
subject, calling attention to the law above cited.
Attest:
Fraternally yours,
(Sgd.) JOHN B. GOODWIN,
Grand Secretary.
(Sgd.) E. S. CONWAY,
Grand Sire. 2746
DECISIONS.
.. Statement—A Committee on Character was appointed, and they
failed to perform their duty, in not reporting either favorably or
unfavorably on the application.
1. Question—What is the duty of the lodge?
Answer—Having failed to discharge their duties to the satisfaction
of the lodge, the lodge has the power to discharge them and appoint
a new committee.
See Article 7, Section 6, of your By-laws, re dismissal of
Committee.
2. Question—Can the rituals be taken from the lodge room?
Answer—No. See Busbee's Digest, page 599, section 2238.
Statement—Jan. 1, 1907, an application was received and referred
to investigating committee. January 15, 1907, committee reported
favorably. February 15, 1907, the application was ballotted on and
resulted unfavorably.
3. Question—Can the Lodge at the succeeding meeting pass a
resolution expunging from the minutes that part in reference to the
unfavorable ballot, it being a true record of what occurred at that
o
meeting.
Answer—No.
4. With respect to the money realized by the dance the
disposition of this will depend on your By-laws; if they provide
for a Contingent Fund, to which any monies raised by entertainments,
etc., should be devoted, this particular amount is lodge funds and
should be paid into this account, after appearing on the minutes and
other books of the lodge. If, however, there is no such provision in
your By-laws, then the lodge can deal with it as it seems fit, and
having decided that it should be vested in the two sisters named, it
is properly in their hands in trust, and the lodge had the right to
vote this money as a present to the Secretary, which, I presume, was
intended to remunerate that Officer for services rendered.
5. Question—A brother or sister having been suspended in a
Rebekah Lodge, wishing to be reinstated, is it necessary that they
should be balloted on the same as an initiate ?
Answer—Yes. See Busbee's Digest, page 294, section 1052.
6. Question—Can a brother be elected to two offices, namely that
of Noble Grand and Treasurer?
Answer—No. See Article 6, Section 6, Subordinate Constitution.
7. Question—A sister appointed to act as Past Noble Grand at
the instituting of a Rebekah Lodge, is she entitled to the honors of
Past Noble Grand? 2747
Answer—No. See Busbee's Digest, page 72$ section 2548, also
see Journal of Proceedings of Sovereign Grand Lodge, 1904, pages
744, 867 and 876.
8. Question—Is a brother entitled to benefits who is disabled, and
yet is able to attend to his business four or more days each week or
a part of them?
Answer—No. See Article 4, Section 2, of Subordinate Constitution, also Busbee's Digest, Page 32, Sections 94 and 95.
9. A brother of a defunct lodge having a Dismissal Certificate
wishes to join a lodge in this jurisdiction.
Question—What will the lodge have to charge him?
Answer—The same as you would charge for an initiate of the
same age.
10. Question—Can a lodge discard the entire vote of the lodge on
account of one illegal vote.
Answer—No. See Busbee's Digest, Page 512, Section 1903.
11. Question—(a) If the Noble Grand elect of a Rebekah Lodge
through sickness is unable to be present at the installation, what is
the duty of the D.D.G.M.?
Answer—To install the officers present.
Question—(b) After the installation who shall take the Noble
Grand Chair?
Answer—In the absence of the Noble Grand it is not only the
right, but the duty of the Vice-Grand to take the place of the superior
officer and perform all her functions. See Busbee's Digest, Pages
395 and 396, Sections 1442, 1443 and 1444.
Question—(c) In the absence of the Noble Grand, who shall
appoint the appointive officers?
Answer—Vice- Grand.
Question—(d) In the absence of the Noble Grand, whose duty is
it to give the Secret Work?
Answer—Vice-Grand. See Busbee's Digest, Page 396, Section 1444.
Question—(e) Can a lodge pass a resolution not to hold a meeting
on its regular night?
Answer—No, unless it fell on a legal holiday. See Busbee's Digest, Page 501, Section 1855.
12. Question—Is it necessary for a re-elected officer to be
installed ?
Answer—Yes. See Busbee's Digest, Page 389, Section 1422.
13. Question—Can a lodge resort to raffles or lotteries for the
purpose of raising funds to purchase regalia? 2748
Answer—No. See Busbee's Digest, Page 499, Section 1843.
14. Statement—A brother of a lodge, after his name has been read
out at two successive meetings, was suspended for non-payment of
dues. Brother claims that he was not notified. The Secretary states
that he did not know the brother's address, and that the brother had
never notified him of his place of residence.
Question—Was the brother legally suspended?
Answer—No. See Article 7, Section 1, Subordinate Constitution.
15. (a) Question—Can the D.D.G.M. be ignored, and the Secret
Work taught by a Past Noble Grand, to the Noble Grand elect?
Answer—Yes.
(b) Question—In the event of the Noble Grand-elect being well
enough to be installed, and still not able to take her part in the team
work, can she appoint someone to take her chair?
Answer—Yes. She has the right to invite a Past Noble Grand
to occupy the chair during initiation.
(c) Question—Who is entitled to the Rebekah Veteran Jewel?
Answer—Any sister, member of the Rebekah Degree, who has been
a member in good standing of a Rebekah Lodge for fifteen consecutive
years.
16. Question—Can a brother holding the position of Treasurer
be elected to the office of Vice-Grand, that officer having resigned.
Answer—Yes, providing he resigns the office of Treasurer, and
can comply with Article 6, Section 3, Subordinate Constitution.
17. Question—Must the Warden, in taking up the password, in
opening the Lodge, return to a brother, and take up the password from
him, after he has sent him to get it from the Noble Grand and taken
his seat.
Answer—Yes.
18. Question—(a) Should the A. T. P. W. be lettered or communicated in full?
Answer—Lettered. See Busbee's Digest, Page 589, Section 2199.
Question—(b) Are all the officers and members entitled to it?
Answer—No, only Noble and Vice-Grands. See Busbee's Digest,
Page 408-9, Section 1492.
Question—(c) The Warden in taking up the password prior to
opening, should it be given to him by a visiting brother?
Answer—No. Only the degree password.
dispensations.
June 10, 1907—To Slocan Lodge, No. 40, to elect and install a
3rd Degree member to the office of Vice-Grand. 2749
June 20, 1907—To Camborne Lodge, No. 49, to elect and install
a 3rd member to the office of Noble Grand.
July 2, 1907—To Rossland Lodge, No. 36, and Deborah Rebekah
Lodge, No. 13, to hold a joint installation of officers on July 8th, 1907.
August 9, 1907—To Harmony Lodge, No. 6, to hold a picnic at
Duncans August 24th.
August 31, 1907—To Greenwood Rebekah Lodge, No. 18, to elect
and install the Vice-Grand to the office of Noble Grand, all qualified
sisters declining the office.
September 19, 1907—To Mizpah Rebekah Lodge, No. 2, to hold
a special meeting, receive applications, report, ballot, and confer the
Rebekah Degree, on the occasion of the Grand Master's visit.
September 28, 1907—To Greenwood Rebekah Lodge, No. 18, to
hold a public ball on October 16.
September 30, 1907—To Esther Rebekah Lodge, No. 20, to hold
a public ball on October 24.
October 17, 1907—To Boundary Valley Lodge, No. 38, to hold a
public ball on October 31st.
Octooer 20, 1907—To Maple Leaf Rebekah Lodge, No. 19, to hold
a public ball November 13th.
October 20, 1907—To Slocan Lodge, No. 40, to hold a public ball
October 25th.
October 23, 1907—To Snowshoe Lodge, No. 46, to hold a public
ball October 30th.
November 1, 1907—To Centennial Lodge, No. 20, to hold a public
lecture for the benefit of the Order, on November 11th.
November 2, 1907—To Cloverdale Lodge, No. 15, to hold a public
ball on November 22nd.
November 5, 1907—To Pacific Lodge, No. 26, to hold a public
entertainment, also to open at 7 p.m. instead of usual hour on the
evening of the 18th inst.
November 7, 1907—To Royal City Lodge, No. 3, to hold a public
entertainment November 22nd.
November 8th, 1907—Miriam Rebekah Lodge, No. 3, to hold their
regular meeting on November 15th, instead of Tuesday.
November 8, 1907—To Columbia Lodge, No. 2, to allow them to
confer the three degrees in less time than the law allows.
November 11, 1907—To Trout Lake Lodge, No. 41, to hold public
ball December 24, 1907.
November 11, 1907—To Cheam Lodge, No. 28, to hold their annual
ball December 13, 1907. 275°
November 14, 1907—To Mizpah Rebekah Lodge, No. 2, to hold a
public concert and ball on December 4, 1907.
November 16, 1907—To Kootenay Lodge, No. 16, to receive two
applications, report, ballot and initiate the same date.
November 27, 1907—To Mount Fernie Lodge, No. 47, to hold a
public concert, November 29th, 1907.
December 2, 1907—To Phoenix Rebekah Lodge, No. 17, to receive
applications, report, ballot and confer the degree the same night, the
Grand Master being present.
December 7, 1907—To Columbia Lodge, No. 2, to initiate and
confer the three degrees the same night.
December 12, 1907—To Queen City Lodge, No. 16, to receive
applications, report, ballot and confer the degree the same night,
December 17.
January 2, 1908—To Rossland Lodge, No. 36, and Deborah Rebekah
Lodge, No. 13, to hold a joint installation January 2.
January 2, 1908:—To Kootenay Lodge, No. 16, to reinstate James
Neelands, an expelled member.
January 6, 1908—To Key City Lodge, No. 42, to install the Vice-
Grand as Noble Grand, he not having served the majority nights in
the chair as Vice-Grand.
January 20, 1908—To Island Lodge, No. 24, to hold a Basket
Social and concert January 21st.
January 21, 1908—To Duncan Lodge, No. 17, to hold a public
ball January 23rd.
February 4, 1908—To Rebekah Lodge, No. 5, to hold a public
ball February 11th.
February 7, 1908—To Rossland Lodge, No. 36, to hold a public
ball February 7th.
February 12, 1908—To Deborah Rebekah Lodge, No. 13, to hold
a public ball February 12th.
February 22, 1908—To Floral Rebekah Lodge, No. 15, to hold a
public ball February 28.
March 5, 1908—To Esther Rebekah Lodge, No. 20, to hold a
box social March 6th.
March 21, 1908—To Queen City Rebekah Lodge, No. 16, to hold
an "At Home" March 27th.
To Gateway Lodge No. 45, to hold an anniversary ball April 21st.
To Kootenay Lodge, No. 16, and Queen City Rebekah Lodge,
No. 16, to hold a joint public ball and to appear in regalia on April 20.
To Phoenix Rebekah Lodge, No. 17, to hold a public ball, April 2751
To Mount Pleasant Lodge No. 19, to hold a box social on May 26.
To Western Star Lodge, No. 10, to hold a public concert April 16.
To Laurel Rebekah Lodge, No. 5, to hold a garden party May 19.
To Miriam Rebekah Lodge, No. 3, to hold a special meeting and
confer the degree on four applicants from Cumberland for the
purpose of applying to the Grand Lodge for a Charter to institute
a Rebekah Lodge in that city.
To Deborah Rebekah Lodge, No. 13, to receive applications, report,
ballot, and confer the Rebekah Degree the same night.
OFFICIAL VISITS.
August 20, 1907—Visited Trout Lake Lodge, No. 41, membership
41. They own their hall and financially they are in a good condition,
although the attendance was small, but they seem to be the right
material. Bro. Northey, Grand Marshal, present.
August 21, 1907—Visited Camborne Lodge, No. 49. This lodge
has not much material to draw from, as there is not a great deal of
mining going on at the present time, but too much credit cannot be
given to Bro. Northey for he seems to be the whole life of this lodge.
Although their membership is small yet financially they are in a fair
condition.
August 22, 1907—Visited Selkirk Lodge, No. 12, conferred the
initiatory degree in a fair manner considering their hall is small. The
attendance was good. They own two hall and their finances are in
good shape. At the after meeting the subject of instituting a Rebekah
Lodge was brought up, and after explaining to them the aims and
objects and benefits derived from this branch of our Order, they
decided to go to work and make preparations to institute, which was
done on the 23rd- of September.
August 23, 1907—Visited Rocky Mountain Lodge, No. 34. The
attendance was small, otherwise are doing well financially; eight
members present.
August 27, 1907—Visited Eureka Lodge, No. 50. This is one of
the,young lodges, having only been instituted about two years. The
membership is small and not much material to draw from, but what
they have are very enthusiastic Oddfellows; twelve present.
August 28, 1907—Visited Vernon Valley
Lodge,
No. 18. This
lodge had the miisfortune to lose their hall through fire last January,
but now they have just got into their new hall, which will cost them
$8,000. On account of having no hall to meet in they were unable
to do anything the first term this year, but so far this term they have
done very well, having initiated six candidates, and I must say the
hall is a credit to the lod
from them.
ge, and hope we shall hear a good report
Phis lodge
-Visited Coronation Lodge, No. 48.
- laDorm imaer a disadvantage. Its members are living out of
town, therefore the attendance is small. There was twelve enthusiastic
August 29, 1907-
laboring under a 2752
members present. I had the honor of meeting J. A. Young, P.G.M.,
of Ontario, at this meeting, which made the meeting more interesting.
August 30, 1907—Went down to Penticton expecting to have a
meeting of Penticton Lodge, No. 51, but through some misunderstanding there was no meeting that night, so after travelling the town I
located several of the members and they reported that they had taken
three candidates in since they were instituted. There were several
questions which they wanted information on, especially in reference
to the transfer of members.
September 2, 1907—Visited Tatnai Lodge, No. 9. Had a very
interesting meeting, conferred the initiatory degree on two candidates,
which was done in an excellent manner; 27 members present; had a
very good time; they own their hall.
September 3, 1907—Visited Ashcroft Lodge, No. 23. The attend
small, only six members present. Financially they
ance was very
are
in a good condition and own hall, but they are working under a disadvantage on account of their members being out of town.
September 4, 1907—Visited Delta Lodge, No. 21. This lodge is
just about holding its own. There were twenty members present and
the majority of them living out of town. Financially in a very good
condition. Had a very enjoyable time.
September 6, 1907—Attended a joint meeting of Royal City, No.
13; Amity, No. 27, and Beulah Rebekah Lodge, No. 5. These lodges
are doing noble work, the first named having the largest increase for
the first term this year; the second named coming next, and Beulah
Rebekah Lodge is doing better than it has done for some times having
added 15 members to their number since the first of this year. These
results indicate that they must have good officers at the head of the
three lodges. Had an enjoyable meeting. Brothers .D. E. McKenzie,
Grand Representative, and E. L. Webber, Grand Treasurer, present.
September 7, 1907—Along with E. L. Webber, Grand Treasurer,
we drove out to Cloverdale and visited Cloverdale Lodge, No. 15.
Although there were only ten members present, they are of the right
material, having added six to their number. They are the owners
of a very neat hall, and are financially in a very good condition.
September 10, 1907—Attended a joint meeting of Vancouver,
No. 8, Western Star, No. 10, Mount Pleasant, No. 19, and Pacific,
No. 26. The members of Mizpah Rebekah Lodge, No. 2 ,were also
present. This was the largest meeting I had the honor of attending.
All of the lodges are doing good work, the four lodges having added
thirty-one to their membership for the first term of the year, and
financially are all in a good condition. Had a very interesting meeting.
Bro. Wallace Law, Grand Warden, and Bro. Geo. Ellsperman, P.G.M.,
of the State of Washington, were present.
September 10, 1907—Along with Wallace Law, G.W., Thos. Neelands, P.G.M., Wm. Johnson, P.O. and Bro. Johnson Lee, visited
Island Lodge, No. 24. Although their membership is small, I must
say they are an ardent lot of members. They are of the material 2753
which goes to^ make exemplary Oddfellows and a good lodge. We
had a very enjoyable time.
September 11, 1907—Attended a joint meeting of Black Diamond
Lodge, No. 5, and Centennial Lodge, No. 20, it being-Black Diamond
night of meeting. They conferred the first degree on one candidate.
The Ritualistic part of the work was very good, but the floor work
was poor. The first named lodge held its own the first term, and
so far this term have added three to their number. Centennial had
an increase of eleven members the first term, and are expecting to
add the same number this term. Both lodges are in good condition.
September 12, 1907—Visited Union Lodge, No. 11, and had one
of the most interesting meetings I had the honor of attending. It
seems that this lodge had been overlooked by some of the previous
Grand Masters, therefore they made good use of me while there.
They have a very good membership which are very enthusiastic in
their work, and financially in a very good condition. Had a very
pleasant time.
September 14, 1907—Visited Duncan Lodge, No. 17. There were
fifteen members present. They are practically holding their own,
not having much material to draw from. They have under construction a large extension to their hall, which I hope
prosperity.
signifies future
September 16, 1907—Visited Harmony Lodge, No. 6. Had a very
large attendance for one lodge. For the first term they held their
own, but expect to have better report for this term. After addressing
them under the good of the Order the lodge closed, and an after
meeting was held with the members of Laurel Rebekah Lodge, No. 9,
present, which is one of the largest Rebekah Lodges in the Province.
Spent a very pleasant evening.
September 18, 1907—Attended a joint meeting of Victoria, No. 1,
Columbia, No. 2, and Dominion, No. 4. Although the increase was
small, I am thankful to say they more than held their own and we
expect more from them this term. Financially the three lodges are in
good condition. After the general routine of business was gone
through the lodge closed, and an after meeting was held with the
members of Colfax Rebekah Lodge, No. 1, present. Had a very enjoyable and interesting meeting, which was well attended and graced
by the presence of Bro. Davey, Grand Secretary.
September 20, 1907—Visited Excelsior Lodge, No. 7. Had an open
meeting which was graced by the presence of a large number of ladies,
and seeing so many of them present I addressed them on the Rebekah
Branch of our Order, and strongly advised them to institute a Rebekah
Lodge. This lodge is doing good work, and are owners of some
valuable property. On the whole it is in a good condition financially.
Spent a very enjoyable evening with them.
September 21, 1907—Visited Cheam Lodge, No. 28. The attendance was very good, considering that so many of their members are 2754
living out of town. They are very enthusiastic in their work, and
financially are in a good condition. Bro. H. Fooks, Grand Guardian,
was present, and assisted in making the evening enjoyable.
November 21, 1907—Visited Slocan Lodge, No. 40. This lodge is
working under a disadvantage owing to its members working so far
from town, which makes it very hard to get a quorum. They have
initiated one candidate this term, and their finances are in good shape.
November 22, 1907—Visited Silver City Lodge, No. 39. The conditions are very much the same as No. 40. Conferred the first degree
on one candidate, and did fairly well considering they have not done
any degree work for over two years. Had other two applications
that night.
I was also well looked after.
November 25, 1907—Visited Kootenay Lodge, No. 16. This is
one of the best lodges in the Kootenay country, and is doing excellent
work, having taken in 15 members this term. Conferred the initiatory
degree on two candidates in very good style. At the after meeting
the Sisters of Queen City Rebekah Lodge, No. 16, were admitted,
which enlivened the social part of the evening greatly.
November 26, 1907—Visited Wildey Lodge, No. 44. Had a very
good meeting, 34 members and 8 visitors present. They have added
several new members to their number, and are doing noble work.
The financial part is well looked after by Bro. F. J. Smyth, Grand
Conductor, who endeavoured to make my stay while with them very
pleasant.
November 27, 1907—Visited Mount Fernie Lodge, No. 47. The
attendance was good, and they are doing noble work, which will be
shown by their having two Representatives at the next Grand Lodge.
I think you will find that this lodge will have the largest increase
for the year of any lodge in this jurisdiction. They conferred the
initiatory degree on two candidates in good form. Financially they
are in good condition. In the after meeting the Sisters of Esther
Rebekah Lodge, No. 20, were admitted, who greatly assisted in the
entertaining part of the evening.
November 28, 1907—Visited Key City Lodge, No. 42. This lodge
has done remarkably well so far this year and the prospects are very
bright for a continuance of the same. The attendance was good.
They own the hall jointly with the K. P.'s. It is a credit to both
Orders. Had a very interesting after meeting, with the ladies present.
December 2, 1907—Visited Snowshoe Lodge, No. 46. This lodge
has done excellent work during the year. Had it not been for the
closing down of the mines in the Boundary District it would have had
a larger increase to its credit, yet it is entitled to two Representatives.
The session was short on account of the Rebekah lodge wanting to
hold a meeting, the report of which you will find in another part of
this report. 2755
December 3, 1907—Visited Boundary Valley Lodge, No. 38. This
lodge had nothing to show to its credit the first term of this year, but
they have more than made up for it this term, and consequently they
are in a good financial condition; also they will be entitled to two
Representatives. Had a very enjoyable after meeting with the Sisters
of Greenwood Rebekah Lodge, No. 18, present.
December 5, 1907—Visited Gateway Lodge, No. 45, and found
the attendance very good. They have a little more than held their
own during the year. The financial part of the business is well looked
after. The regular business gone through an adjournment was taken
to the banquet room, and after doing ample justice to the good things
provided for the inner man, songs and recitations formed the next
part of the programme, which was greatly appreciated by all present.
April 27, 1908—Visited Rossland Lodge, No. 36. This is the largest
lodge in the interior, both in numbers and financially, and still keeping
up their name for good degree
work.
After the regular order of
business, the members of Deborah Rebekah Lodge were admitted. A
musical and literary entertainment was given to commemorate the
89th anniversary of our Order.
April 28, 1908—Visited Enterprise Lodge, No. 43, Trail. The
second degree was conferred in excellent form on two brothers. So
far this term they have initiated five candidates, and two other applications were received that night. Financially they are in good condition. Had a very pleasant evening.
I regret very much not being able to visit Princeton Lodge, No.
52, Princeton, on account of no railway transportation. The trip
by stage would have occupied five days of my time.
REBEKAH LODGES VISITED.
September 13, 1907—Visited Miriam Rebekah Lodge, No. 3. The
meeting was of a social character and was well attended by the Sisters,
but I am sorry to say that the attendance of the brothers was very
small. Although there are two subordinate lodges in the city, it
seems that this branch gets very little support from them, which can
be seen by their reports. Had a very enjoyable evening.
September 19, 1907—Visited Mizpah Rebekah Lodge, No. 2. This
is the largest Rebekah Lodge in the jurisdiction. It is doing a noble
work. Conferred the degree on ten candidates in a menner which
was without doubt the best exemplification of Rebekah work I have
had the pleasure of witnessing. This is an active, energetic lodge,
and
work.
very rapidly, the members taking great pride in their
Spent a very enjoyable evening, about 100 present.
growing
November 28, 1907—Visited Maple Leaf Rebekah Lodge, No. 19.
This lodge has done remarkably well considering it was only instituted
last February. They have a membership of over 70. Instructed them
in reference to the work of the Rebekah Branch of our Order. 2756
December 2, 1907—Visited Phoenix Rebekah Lodge, No. 17. The
attendance was very good. Conferred the degree on four candidates
in a very pleasing manner. It has a membership of over 75. Spent
a very pleasant evening
&
December 4, 1907—Visited Greenwood Rebekah Lodge, No. 18.
This lodge was instituted last January and is doing very well, having
a membership of over 55. Instructed them a little in the floor work,
which is greatly needed. Was well looked after, about 40 present.
December 19, 1907—Visited Deborah Rebekah Lodge, No. 13. This
lodge is doing good work and is the second largest Rebekah lodge
in the jurisdiction. Conferred the degree on three candidates in
an excellent manner. Financially it is the strongest Rebekah Lodge
in the jurisdiction.
May 7, 1908—Visited Esther Rebekah Lodge, No. 20, when I had
the pleasure of witnessing them confer Rebekah degree on two candidates which was done in a very good style, considering they were
only organized about a year ago. They have increased their membership considerably since the beginning of the year, and had seven
applications that night. Their present membership is 54.
INTERNATIONAL VISIT.
Having received an invitation from Blaine Lodge, No. 80, of the
State of Washington to be with them on September 5, 1907, at the
presentation of a Past Grand Master's jewel to Bro. Geo. A. Ellsper-
man, P.G.M., I accepted, and on that date, along with D. E. McKenzie,
G.R., Wallace Law, Grand Warden, E. L. Webber, Grand Treasurer,
and about 200 brothers from Vancouver, New Westminster and Cloverdale Lodges, we proceeded by special train to Blaine, where we received
a royal welcome from the members of several of the lodges belonging
to the State of Washington. We were escorted by them to the hall
of Blaine Lodge, where the presentation was made by L. F. Hart,
Grand Secretary, on behalf of the Grand Lodge of the State of Wash-
assisted by Grand Master Jos. A. Graham and myself.
After the presentation, the Noble Grand invited the brothers downstairs, where covers were laid for 320, which were soon taken, while
at least 100 brothers acted as waiters or had to banquet on foot. This
ended the largest fraternal gathering I have had the honor of attending:.
D. D. G.
M.'S.
It gives me much pleasure to note the faithful services of my
D.D.G.M.'s. During my term of office they have done all their power
to assist me in carrying on the work of the various Lodges and in
the majority of cases have been prompt in forwarding their reports
when requested to do so. 2/57
I consider the office of District Deputy Grand Master as possibly
the \ most important of any in our system. An active, intelligent,
upright District Deputy Grand Master, fairly representing the business and social elements of his district, is in position to do much to
build up the Order.
He should keep in close touch with the intelligent and well connected men, business and professional, in all the towns and villages,
and encourage the formation of lodges and encampments by them,
which will include those who are to become the future representative
men of their community. They should carefully regard quality of
more importance than numbers in the composition of this new membership.
REPORTS OF D.D.G.M'S.
Thos. Kerr, District No. 4, reports quite a
and the interest taken in lodge
stalled the
officers at the beginning of each term.
ain in membership
work has been most gratifying, ln-
S. N. Strople, District No. 2, reports that he installed the officers
of the Lodges in his District at the commencement of the terms, and
also states that both Lodges are in good financial standing, and have
considerably increased their membership during the past year. Granted a Dispensation to Amity Lodge, No. 27, to confer the first degree
on several brothers on the night of their initiation is approved.
W. T. Shatford, District No. 27, reports that he as been away most
of the time, and any matter in connection with which there was any
doubt was always submitted to the Grand Master by the Secretary
of the Lodge.
Joseph Peers, District No. 5, reports that Excelsior Lodge, No. 7,
has had a very prosperous year, both as to membership and finance.
The installation of the officers took place at the proper time.
W. S. Cook, District No. 19, reports that he installed the officers
of Boundary Valley Lodge, No. 38, and Snowshoe Lodge, No. 46, at
the usual time. Also pleased to say that Boundary Valley Lodge,
No. 38, had one of the best terms in the history of the lodge last
term. In Phoenix the mines closing down last November paralysed
Snowshoe Lodge for a time. Many of its members had to move
to other places to secure employment, but is pleased to say that by
the present indications this term will be a very creditable one. Rendered no decisions nor granted any dispensations.
Walter D. Fearn, District No. 15, reports that during the year
Ashcroft Lodge, No. 23, has progressed very favourably, both in
membership and financially, and the members are taking a greater
interest in the work of the Order than for many years past. Installed
the officers at the usual time. There have been no questions on which
he has been requested to give a decision, and is pleased to say that
everything is working harmoniously in lodge matters. 2758
W. S. MacDonald, District No. 23, reports that Key City Lodge,
No. 42, is in a prosperous condition, is getting in new members all
the time and a lively interest is manifested in the degree work. As
regards the duty assigned for collecting funds for the Home Fund,
I have done what I could, but a majority of the brothers seemed to
think that a special assessment should have been levied, then all
would have to pay an equal share, and the burden would not fall on
the willing few. In conclusion I would say that peace and harmony
are the chief characteristics of our lodge, and where these have sway,
success is sure to follow.
John M. McLeod, District No. 8, reports that Union Lodge,
No. 11, is in a flourishing and prosperous condition, having initiated
four members since January 1st, making the membership 78. We
celebrated the anniversary of our Order on April 26th, by attending
divine services in a body, and must say it was a credit to our lodge.
We are anticipating instituting a Rebekah Lodge in the near future.
We also took up a subscription for the benefit of the Home Fund,
the proceeds will be forwarded to the Grand Secretary.
T. L. Crossan, District No. 29, reports that Gateway Lodge, No.
45, is in a flourishing condition. While the first term of the year and
the commencement of the present term was, on account of closing
down of the mines in this district, very slow, in procuring new members into our beloved Order, conditions at present seem to be more
favorable, as quite a number of applications received recently seems
to testify, which keeps us busy conferring degrees every lodge night.
Rendered no decisions nor granted any dispensations. Visited Republic
Lodge, Washington, and was given a royal welcome.
Douglas Anderson, District No. 21, regrets that owing to the
depression in the district, Silver City Lodge, No. 39, has not had the
opportunity of increasing its membership very much; also that the
geographical lay of the country makes it impossible for the members
to attend regularly, therefore preventing them from taking the interest
they would otherwise take. Financially they are in a good condition.
E. Harkness, District No. 18, reports having installed the officers
of Rossland Lodge, No. 36, at a joint installation with Deborah
Rebekah Lodge, No. 13, on January 6th, and Enterprize Lodge, No.
43, January 7th, and found them both in a prosperous condition. The
last named lodge has about $27.00 on hand for the Home Fund.
Eli Sutcliffe, District No. 11, states that he has noted with pleasure
the harmony prevailing among the members of Kootenay Lodge, No.
16, and the continued growth in membership. He cannot speak too
highly of the enthusiasm displayed by the officers in carrying out the
work entrusted to them, being both a credit to themselves and an
honour to the lodge. Great credit is also due to the degree team
under the captaincy of Bro. Fred. Squire, P.G., for their high state
of efficiency, adding very materially to the impressiveness of the work.
I would also like to pay special tribute to Bro. North for his zeal
in carrying out the work entrusted to him by the lodge, in making
a thorough and systematic canvass among the brethren for the
"Home Fund," and also express my thanks to the brethren for their 2759
generous response. Rendered no decisions nor granted any dispensations.
G. A. Miller, District No. 6, reports that he installed the officers
of Lodges Nos. 8, 10, 19, 24 and 26 at the proper time. Rendered
no decisions. March 4th, 1908, granted a dispensation to Mt. Pleasant
Lodge, No. 19, to initiate and confer the first degree the same night,
which I approved. He also reports that all the lodges in this district
are now in a very healthy condition with the exception of Island
Lodge, No. 24, but as they contemplate erecting a new hall in close
proximity to the tram station, he feels sure it will be • the means
of adding to their membership. Also urged upon the membership to
contribute as liberally as possible to the "Home Fund" and he expects
that District No. 6, will hand in a good donation to this most worthy
cause. He also expects to see lodges instituted in Fairview and North
Vancouver in the near future.
R. Dudley, District No. 25, reports that Mt. Fernie Lodge, No..47,
to be in a flourishing condition both financially and numerically.
During the year of 1907 they added 46 to their membership. During
this year they have been called upon to issue eight withdrawal cards
for the purpose of instituting lodges at Hosmer and Michel, but with
all this we have been able to take in eight by initiation. Had a very
large turnout to the Anniversary services April 26th. Installed the
officers at the proper time.
R. T. Howard, District No. 24, states that last year has been one
of the most prosperous years that Wildey Lodge, No. 44, has ever had,
both in membership and financially, and have initiated some of the
most earnest workers that ever joined the Order. The "Home Fund"
which has been laid before the lodge on several occasions, but does
not seem to have many earnest supporters. The members think that
funds for this object should be raised by an assessment. A committee was appointed to accept any donations that may be forthcoming.
Granted a dispensation to confer more than one degree the same night,
which is not necessary as a two-third vote of the lodge is all that is
required.
Joseph York, District No. 1, reports having conducted joint installation of the officers of Lodges Nos. 1, 2, and 4 in July and January
terms, also pleased to state that the lodges are in a healthy condition,
especially from a financial standpoint, being the three oldest lodges
in the province they are naturally subject to more sickness and the
calls on the Treasury are heavier than in the case of younger lodges,
but owing to wise investments of their funds in the early days they
are now happily in a position to meet these calls without being embarrassed. The history and experience of these lodges in this respect
should prove an object lesson to younger lodges and teach them the
necessity of husbanding their funds while they are young and com-
paritively free from sickness.
Question—Is it right for the Noble Grand to communicate the
password to a member of another lodge outside of the lodge room and
on the public street. 2760
Answer—No. The Noble Grand was quite right in
do so, which I approve.
refusing
to
N. A. McDermid, District No. 14, reports that Delta Lodge, No. 21,
is in a good condition, fraternally and financially, and that he installed
the' officers at the proper tiue. Rendered no decisions nor granted
riic
any dispensations.
W. W. Foster, District No. 9, reports that Selkirk Lodge, No. 12,
is absolutely without debt or incumbrance upon its property of any
kind, and owns two good revenue-producing properties, has two
thousand dollars out at interest, and five hundred in its current account
at bank. It is also worthy of note that despite the depression of
business which is especially felt in a community so largely dependent
upon the railroad and lumbering industry. During the current term
ten have been admitted by initiation. During the past term they have
organized a degree team, which has materially added impressiveness
to the degree work, thereby increasing the attendance considerably.
The officers of the past and current term have realized the obligations imposed upon them, and no difficulty has been experienced in
securing the elimination of the ritual for ordinary lodge work. We
have donated seventy-five dollars for that noble object, the Oddfellows'
Home Fund. In conclusion it gives me the greatest pleasure to advise
that not only is the Rebekah Lodge you instituted on the occasion
of your last visit in a flourishing condition, but that it has been of the
greatest possible assistance to No. 12.
J. A. McDowell, District No. 26, reports that he installed the
officers at the proper time. Rendered no decisions nor granted any
dispensations. The lodge is in a healthy condition financially, and
one new member has been admitted during the past year. Everything
has been running smoothly and I have nothing of note to chronicle.
J. H. Binns, District No. 7, reports the officers installed in the
regular form and at the proper time. The lodge is in a prosperous
condition and is increasing in membership. He thinks the last term
was one of the best that Tatnai Lodge, No. 9, ever had.
Thos. King, District No. 17, states that his work as Deputy for
the past year has been very light. No questions have came up of
any particular moment, and harmony has reigned in our lodge
throughout the year. In December, 1907, Rocky Mountain Lodge,
No. 34, purchased the building in which their lodge room has been
located for several years, and hope to realize about 10 per cent, on
their investment instead of 3 per cent., as formerly received from
Savings Bank. The "Home Fund" was systematically canvassed for
and about twenty-five dollars has so far been realized. Owing to
the very quiet times very few new members have been admitted, but
the old members have been attending quite regularly and interest
shown is much more encouraging than formerly.
Wm. J. Ferguson, District No. 3, reports that Lodges Nos. 5 and
20 are progressing favorably and are financially in a good condition 2761
Number 5 have taken in several new members and is doing good
work. He offers the following recommendations: That in future the
Grand Master would ask his D.D.G.M.'s to give or cause to be given
two lectures during his term, on the Principles of Oddfellowship, as
he thinks it would be the means of having a larger attendance, and it
would teach the brothers their duty to their fellow man. He also
suggests that the Grand Lodge furnish each District Deputy with a
Digest. This last suggestion I do not agree with, as it would entail
considerable expense on the Grand Lodge, practically every subordinate
lodge in the jurisdiction has a Digest, so that it is an easy matter for
the District Deputy to get it from his lodge. The following questions
were submitted for his decision:
1. Question—Can a brother vote by proxy?
Answer—No.
2. Question—Can a brother be reinstated into a lodgt, into which
his lodge amalgamated, if suspended for non-payment of dues.
Answer—Yes.
3. Question—What course must a brother take who is suspended
for non-payment of dues, after his lodge has merged into another.
Answer—See Busbee's Digest, Page 482, Section 1782.
All of which were approved by me.
James Tyrer, District No. 16, reports that the affairs of Cheam
Lodge, No. 28, are very satisfactory and the lodge continues to make
progress. During the year the membership has been increased by
three. I regret to say that we have lost one brother, J. T. Lapworth,
by death. I am pleased to report that interest in the work of the
lodge is more apparent than in the past, and the attendance at meetings better than I have ever known. I made an appeal to the lodge
on behalf of the "Home Fund," to which the brothers very generously
responded. Granted dispensation to confer the second and third degrees the same night, which is not necessary, as Article 5, Section 1,
states that two-thirds vote of the lodge is all that is required.
f±i REREKAH LODGES.
Sister Nellie Dingman, District No. 11, reports that Bro. F. E.
Simpson, P.G.M., installed the officers of Maple Leaf Rebekah Lodge,
No. 19, for the term commencing July 1st, 1907, and that she installed
them January 8th, 1908. No dispensations granted nor decisions
given during the year.
Sister Maud Woodcock, District No. 3, reports that she installed
the officers of Miriam Rebekah Lodge, No. 3, for the terms commencing July, 1907, and January, 1908, and that they have made good
progress during the year both financially and in membership. 2762
Sister Maud Cook, District No. 10, reports that she installed the
officers of Greenwood Rebekah Lodge, No. 18, and Phoenix Rebekah
Lodge, No. 17, at the proper time. And that both lodges are progressing favorably under very unfavorable conditions, owing to nearly
all the mines in the district being closed down, which is surely a
credit to the Rebekah Branch of this district.
Sister L. M. Kilby, District No. 9, reports that she installed the
officers at the proper time. Granted no dispensations nor gave any
decisions. During the past year there have been initiated eight sisters
and nine brothers, making a total of seventeen new members; also
accepted five other applications, and have good prospects of increasing
our membership in the near future. The lodge is in a prosperous
condition financially and socially. We have donated fifty dollars to
the Home Fund, and pleased to note that much of the ill feeling
which existed among some of the members seems to have entirety
disappeared.
Bro. W. W. Foster, District No. 13, reports that Naomi Lodge,
No. 21, was instituted during the past year, accounting in part for the
very rapid increase in its membership. Apart from this, however,
the increase is the result of conscientious work on the part of the
officers and members. The total membership is 49, as compared with
34 on the occasion of your last visit. Good regalia has been purchased,
and the degree team recently organized is now at work. A special
feature may also be found in the flower fund, from which flowers
and fruit are procured when occasion demands. I might also add that
the subordinate lodge is greatly indebted to Naomi Lodge for valuable assistance rendered in connection with matters pertaining to the
good of the Order, and cannot speak too strongly in favour of the
organization of a Rebekah Lodge in any town, where at present a
subordinate lodge only is located.
Sister Helena Cozens, District No. 2, reports Mizpah Rebekah
Lodge, No. 2, in a flourishing condition, having added 41 to their
membership during the past year. It has seven candidates to be
initiated next meeting night. Installed the officers at the usual time.
Granted no dispensations, nor given any decisions.
Sister M. Beck, District No. 12, reports Esther Rebekah Lodge,
No. 20, in a prosperous condition, both financially and numerically.
This lodge was organized on April 5th, 1907, with 20 members and has
now a membership of 54; have taken in 12 since the beginning of this
year, and have seven other applications in. From our annual ball,
October 24, we realized $294, which paid for our paraphernalia and
regalia. And a box social given on March 6th, in aid of the Home
Fund, we realized $81. Installed the officers at the proper time.
Sister M. E. Keith, District No. 4, reports having installed the
officers of Beulah Rebekah Lodge, No. 5, in July and January. The
lodge has been very prosperous during the year. Rendered no decisions
nor granted any dispensations. 2763
Sister Ehz Gillespie, District No. 5, reports that she installed the
officers for the terms beginning July and January, at the proper time.
Our Lodge has had a most successful year, twenty-seven new members
haying been added to the roll, and is at present in a flourishing condition, both socially and financially, with bright prospects for the
ensuing year. The attendance at each meeting has been excellent,
showing the interest that is being taken in the work. Great strides
have been made by the drill team, and a very successful effort is
being put forth towards securing robes for same. Peace and harmony
prevail, and Laurel Rebekah Lodge is looking forward to a very
bright and prosperous year.
Sister M. Hutchins, District No. 6, reports having assisted at the
installation of the officers of Deborah Rebekah Lodge, No. 13, at a
joint installation with Rossland Lodge, No. 36, in July and January
terms. The year of 1907 was a very prosperous one, having initiated
39 candidates, and the lodge is in a very healthy condition. Also
pleased to state that everything worked harmoniously in lodge matters.
Rendered no decisions nor granted any dispensations.
Sister R. M. G. Bird, District No. 1, reports in July, 1907 and
January last she installed the officers of Colfax Lodge, No. 1. It is
especially gratifying to direct your attention to the marked progress
the lodge has made recently. During the year 1907 we admitted 31
candidates. Since the commencement of this term we have initiated
12 members, and have several other applications before the lodge.
The most cheering feature of this revival is the fact that the majority
of the new members are active workers and show a deep interest in
the welfare of the Lodge. Our meetings are well attended and the
best of feeling prevails. From these indications I am justified in
anticipating a prosperous career for our Lodge. Rendered no decisions
nor granted any dispensations.
NEW LODGES.
Since our last session, two Subordinate lodges and one Rebekah
lodge have been added to the roll. I have therefore much pleasure in
asking that charters for same be granted.
Maple Leaf Lodge, No. 53, Hosmer, instituted May 8th, 1908, by
the Grand Master, assisted by Robt. Dudley, D.D.G.M., W. W. Tuttle,
P.G., L. E. MacFarlane, P.G., and several other brothers. Organized
with a membership of 26.
Michel Lodge, No. 54, Michel, instituted May 11th, 1908, by the
Grand Master, assisted by Robt. Dudley, D.D.G.M., Fernie; W. S.
McDonald, D.D.G.M., Cranbrook, and the following Past Grands:
W. W. Tuttle, M. D. Billings, Thos. Beck, J. O. C. McDonald, Chas.
Smith and J. Manning. Organized with a membership of 65.
I have also received communications from various parts of the
province in reference to instituting lodges of our Order, namely,
Salmon Arm, Kaslo, Creston and Kelowna. 2764
HOME FUND.
It is very gratifying to report that the contributions to this fund
during the past year have been greater than any year since the establishment of this fund. The increased interest in this worthy object
is principally due to the fact that the subject has repeatedly been
brought before the lodges by the Grand Master on his official visits,
and the circular issued by the Special Committee on Oddfellows Home
to the District Deputy Grand Masters and through the latter to the
Lodges.
I am of the same opinion as some of my District Deputies, that
the contributions to this fund should be raised by a special assessment
or by capita tax. Then the burden would fall on all and not only
on the willing few.
October 12, 1907, J. De Wynter was allowed to take up his mortgage of $2300 dollars on payment of a quarter interest, $49.
August 14, 1907, a morl
era^e ic
>r $2,500 was effected with W. E.
Vanstone of New Westminster at 7 per cent.
October 22, 1907, another for $3,000 was effected with the Western
Home improvement Co. on Vancouver property at 8 per cent. Both
of which were on the recommendation of Bro. E. L. Webber, Grand
Treasurer, so that we have now $5,500 out on this kind of security.
RECOM MENDATIONS—TRANSFER CERTIFICATES.
These Transfer Certificates were designed for two purposes. The
first was to facilitate the transfer from one lodge to another in the
case of a brother who had changed his residence. This purpose is
fully attained by the new forms.
But another purpose of much greater service to the Order, is not
achieved. It was expected that where a new lodge was in process of
organization the transfer certificate would be useful in securing the
transfer of any old Oddfellow who might be residing in the vicinity,
to the new lodge* The new lodge needs them and the knowledge of
the workings of the Order which they possess. The Order needs
them as charter members of the new body, but the transfer certificate
is so worded that it can be of no use whatever in their case.
I would, therefore, recommend that you instruct your representatives to the next Sovereign Grand Lodge to use their influence towards
having the form of these Transfer Certificates altered in order that
they may be available in petitioning for new lodges.
Since our last session there have been three new lodges instituted
in this jurisdiction. This will add considerably to the territory the
Grand Master has to cover, and believing as I do in keeping up the
interest of our Order it is necessary that the Grand Master should 2765
endeavour to visit every lodge in the jurisdiction if possible, but in
order that he may do this without involving a heavy financial loss, I
would recommend that the allowance to that officer be increased.
Having been informed by the Grand Secretary that Bro. F. B.
Ogden, Grand Master of California, Chairman of the Relief Committee
of the Earthquake Fund, had forwarded to him a cheque for the refund
of $554, being 25 per cent, of the amount forwarded by the Subordinate
and Rebekah Lodges of this jurisdiction, and knowing that the Grand
Lodge did not donate anything to this fund, I gave instructions to
notify each Subordinate and Rebekah Lodge which had contributed
to this fund, and request instructions as to the disposition of their
share of the refund, at the same time recommending that they donate
it to the Oddfellows' Home Fund.
I would also recommend to Secretaries of Subordinate and Rebekah
Lodges that when any of their members are in arrears for dues, say
three months, if the secretary is not in possession of the member's
address, that he announce it in open lodge, and in nine times out of
ten there will be some member in the lodge who knows the address
of the delinquent brother.
This in my opinion would be the means of greatly reducing the
number of suspensions for non-payment of dues.
CONCLUSION.
In conclusion, I wish to return thanks to all members of the Order
in this jurisdiction for the uniform kindness and courtesy shown me.
During the entire year there has not been a single incident to mar
the pleasant relations between the Grand Master and the Lodges or
members. Everything has moved on smoothly, every Lodge has
seemed to wish to do the right thing at the right time, and the members everywhere have sought ever the good of Oddfellowship. The
result of it all is the unexampled prosperity that has crowned the
united efforts of the brothers throughout the province.
To the Grand Secretary I am. indebted for many favors and much
valued advice. We are fortunate in possessing an officer so prompt,
reliable and well grounded in the laws and usages of the Order. No
one but a Grand Master who has had occasion to avail himself of his
aid and counsel can appreciate how invaluable such men are to the
Order. May they live long and prosper.
Respectfully submitted,
THOS. EMBLETON,
Grand Master 27t>6
Grand Secretary's Report.
To the Ofhcers and Members of the Grand Lodge of British Columbia,
I. 0. 0. F.
It is with a good deal of pleasure that I again lay before you a
report of the work of the Order in this jurisdiction during the past
year and in pointing to the success which has crowned our efforts
in every branch of the Order.
REPRESENTATION.
The amendment to the Constitution of the Grand Lodge made last
session, having been approved by the Sovereign Grand Lodge, we mee1-
today under the revised scale of representation. In the case of nine
lodges the number of representatives is reduced while three have an
additional one and two new lodges are also entitled to a representative.
The net result is a representation of sixty, a decrease of eight representatives compared with last year. If our rate of progress is maintained this reduction will soon be overtaken.
CONDITION OF THE ORDER.
Since we last met two new lodges have been instituted by the
Grand Master, Maple Leaf, No. 53, at Hosmer on 8th May, 1908, and
"Michel" Lodge, No. 54, at Michel on 11th May, 1908, the latter with
sixty-five members.
A Dispensation has been issued for the institution of a Lodge at
Salmon Arm to be known as "Mount Ida" Lodge, but at the time of
writing it has not been instituted.
Inquiries have been received from Kaslo, Hazelmere and Creston
as to the steps to be taken to organize lodges and in the former case
the form of a petition has been sent and it is expected that a Lodge
will be opened there in the near future. SUBORDINATE LODGES
No. of Lodges 31st Dec., 1907
Instituted since
Members 31st Dec, 1907
Initiated
Admitted by card
Admitted as A. O
Reinstated
Withdrawn
Deceased
ceased membership by N P.D
Rejected
Degrees conferred
Past Grands
Receipts from Dues:
" Admissions and Degrees
Rents and Invested Funds
All other sources
Total receipts.....
No. of brothers relieved
| Widowed families relieved
Brothers buried
" Weeks sick benefits paid
Amt. paid for relief of brothers
widowed families...
orphans
education of orphans..
burying the dead
special relief
Total amount paid for relief
Amt. paid for current expenses
Total assets of Subordinate Lodges —
Average amt. of benefits paid to each
sick member.
amt. expended for relief per mem.
duration of sickness per sick mem.
per member
cost per member for current exp.
for all lodge expenses
amt. of assets per member
Total amt. paid for relief since institution of Grand Lodge in 1874
REBEKAH LODGES.
Nc. of Lodges 31 Dec. 1907
" member*—brothers
" " —sisters
" " initiated—brothers.
$ 45 7&
$ 6 27
6 wks 4f dys
4dys 22 hrs
$ ' 6 27
$ 12 54
$ 82 53
$425,100 32
14
5n9
591
224 No. members initiated—sisters
mem, admitted by card—brothers
— sisters..
" reinstated—brothers
—sisters
" withdrawn—brothers
" " —sisters
" ceased membership by N. V.
D.—brothers
" ceased membership by N.P. D—
sisters
" members deceased—brothers ..
" " " —sisters
Receipts for dues j$
rents and int. on invested funds.. $
admissions $
" from all other sources $
Total receipts $
Payments—for relief of members $
'' —special relief $
Total relief $
Lodge expenses $
Total invested funds '$
2768
204
21
27
5
7
11
18
66
m
1
3
2,004 05 $
7 80 .
818 00 $
961 88 |
S,794 73$
109 00$
67 25 .-.
176 25 .
2,267 05 $
3,927 15$
INCREASE
110
17
20
5
2
6
6
43
30
625 80
507 00
672 13
1.733 58
10 35
940 31
1,393 92
DECREASE
74 ao
102 75
77 40 2769
FINANCIAL STATMENT.
Cash Received and Paid to Grand Treasurer
From Whom Received
Victoria ^^^^^
Columbia
Royal City
Dominion
Black Diamond
Harmony
Excelsior
Vancouver
Tatnai
Western Star
Union
Selkirk
Cloverdale
Kootenay
Duncan
Vernon Valley
Mt. Pleasant
Centennial
Delta
Ashcroft
Island
Pacific
Amity
Cheam
Rocky Mountain
Rossland
Boundary Valley
Silver City
Slocan
Trout Lake
Key City
Enterprise
Wildey
Gateway
Snowshoe
Mt. Fernie
Coronation
Camborne
Eureka
Penticton
Princeton
Vancouver Lodges
Colfax Rebekah
Mizpah
Miriam
Beulah
Laurel
Lodge No. 1
..
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Tax term I Tax term
ended ended
30th June 31st Dec.
1907 1907
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
23
24
26
27
28
34
36
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
1
2
3
5
9
Supplies
99 50!$
75 00
75 50
75 50
66 50
107 00
25 50
85 50
63 00
152 00
36 50l
67 50|
17 00
85 00
31 00
27 501
39 50i
70 00|
22 50
15 50
17 50
110 95
88 50
25 50
30 251
93 50
43 50
15 35 j
15 50
20 00
39 50
62 00
24 00
36 50
50 00
36 00
18 001
14 00
14 50
95
80
77
74
64
107
28
92
69
165
36
65
19
90
31
32
39
72
21
i8
00$
00
50
50
50
00
50
50
50
00
50
50
00
50|
50
50
50
00
50|
25
17 50
116 001
100 00
26 OOl
31 00
95 00
53 00
15 00
14 50
20 50
39 00
61 00
30 00
38 50
50 50
52 00
18 00
13 00
15 50
11 00
8 00
Fines
Chart'r
Fees
Etc.
Home
Fund.
6 00
42 55
26 75
7
5
11
4
OK
50
00
10
65
90
61 00
13 00
2 00
27 65
7 00
12 90
3 45
35 90
14 40
5 50
2 00
6 00
1 00
24 50
10 30
7 95
15 50
10 00
25 54
8 00
10 25
18 30
42 36
4
2
4
80
50
10
10 50
95
o
6
o
2 00
60
00
30 00
5 90
2 25
46 00
4 50
3 50
3 00
1-
25 00'$
6 251
42 70
25 00
61 50
25 00
97 00
145 CO
31 50
75 00
57 50
63 00
34 50
75
00
28
00
368
20
41
20
62
50
21
00
100
00
6
25
40 00
10 00'
23 00
50 00
25 00
38 50
68 55
31 25
5895
Total.
225 50
203 80
222 45
182 50
136
286
83
300 90
193 50
00
60
65
00
50
90
95
90
90
50
475
106
235 65
43 00
245
128
97
127
147
44 00
114 75
64 00
619 65
240
121
97
298 50
128 29
38 35
80 25
50 50
121 80
215
58
102
143
00
95
75
36
80
50
10
98 50
41
33
32
41
13
68
9
7 7
4
62
95
60
00
00
90
55
25
25
50
45
00 From Whom Received
13
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
54
Deborah Lodge No.
Floral
Queen City
Phoenix
Greenwood
Maple Leaf
Esther
Naomi
Quo Vadis Sanctorium
Sundry persons
Interest Grand Treas. acct..
J. DeWynter, interest
repayment
W. E. Vanstone, interest...
Maple Leaf Lodge No. 53
Michel ' " 54
Vancouver En. No. 1, IOOFJ
Imp, Bk. of Canada, withd'l|
Dom. Gov. Sav. Bk.
2770
Tax term Tax term
ended I ended
30th June 3l8t Dec.
1907 1907
Supplies
Fines
Chart'r
Fees,
Etc.
Home
Fund
Total
4 30
2 55
2 10
6 00
50
90
21 00 10 00
34 00
23 00
50 00
12 00
40 1;
12 25
8i'6o
'500
20 00 30 00
30 00
147 00
2800 001
83 20
1 25
4580 00
790 00
$1992 05 $2105 75$ 686 901120 1510343 05
38 301
23 00
52 55 j
2 10
18 251
50
81 90
31 00
5 00
12 00
40 15
147 00
2800 00
83 20
50 00
30 00
1 25
4580 00
790 00
$15247 90 ORDERS DRAWN ON GRAND TREASURER.
*B n
W Q)
Date
A***
O u
5250
190
7
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July
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10
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11
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17
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21
14
cc
29
15
Aug.
3
16
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5
17
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Sept.
12
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12
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Oct.
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Nov.
16
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Dec.
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1908
Jan.
31
31
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Feb.
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6
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Mar.
16
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In Whose Favor.
Description^
Grand Treasurer,
W. H. Huxtable
J. Pottinger..
A. Forrester
F. E. Simpson
T. Embleton, G.M
Hall, Goepel&Co
D. E. Mackenzie..
T. Embleton, G.M
Sovereign Grand Lodge
Imperial Bk. of Canada
Victoria P. & P. Co
Sweeney & McConnell..
T. R. Cusack
E. L. Webber
Sovereign Grand Lodge
T. Embleton, G. M
Sovereign Grand Lodge
E. L. Webber. G. Treas
Fred Davey, G. Secy ...
cc cc
Imperial Bank.........
cc cc
E. L. Webber, G. Treas
Sovereign Grand Lodge
T Embleton, G.M
Fred Davey, G. Sec
Sovereign Grand Lodge
Victoria P. & P. Co....
Odd Fellows Union
T. R. Cusack
Sweeney & McConnell
A.J. Woodward
F. Davey, G. Sec
cc cc
Sovereign Grand Lodge
Imperial Bk. of Canada
Sovereign Grand Lodge
Imperial Bk. of Canada
A. McKelvie
Colonist P. & P. Co ...
Sovereign Grand Lodge
F. Davey. Grand Sec..
cc tt
Imperial Bk. of Canada
Sovereign Grand Lodge
T. R. Cusack
Victoria P. & P. Co..
Mileage & per diem, Sess. '07
Janitor, G. Sec. office
Grand Lodge card I.O.F
Janitor Session 1907 j
Postage, etc
Case for G. M. collar
Premium G. See's bond
Wreath late Bro. McColl pmg
Envelopes ,
Supplies
Deposit Home acct
Printing circulars
Pt'g Petitions for membership
Printing Proceedings 1907....
Premium G. Treas. bond
Supplies
Allowance
Veteran Jewel
Investment Home Fund....
Salary, three months
Postage, expressage. etc
Deposit Home account
C . C i c
Investment Home Fund
Supplies
Balance of Allowance
Salary, three months
Postage, expressage, etc
Veteran Jewels
Printing Bonds
Rent G. Sec. office
Printing circulars
c> cc
Wreath late J. E. Phillips,PGM
Salary, three months
Postage, etc
Representative Tax
Deposit Home Fund
Supplies
Deposit Home Fund .......
Printing, etc., Home Fund...
Binding Proceedings, etc
Supplies
Salary three months
Postage and sundries
Deposit Home Fund
Rebekah Veteran Jewels
New Rituals
Printing and Stationery
Printing Forms
Amount.
$
2078 90
20 00
10 00
10 00
11 55
7
4
00
00
10 00
3 50
35 75
478 00
5 00
6 00
217 00
5 00
18 00
200 00
20 00
2500 00
180 00
56 65
2849 00
98 00
3000 00
60 50
100 00
180 00
26 50
75 00
11 00
100 00
3 50
5 00
10 00
180 00
16 65
150 00
275 00
85 20
200 00
22 25
93 00
28 75
180 00
33 80
1230 00
40 00
84 00
23 00
6 00
$15042 50 2772
SUMMARY
Balance in hands of Grand Treasurer per last report...
Cash received and paid to Grand Treas. per statement.
Less orders drawn on Grand Treasurer per statement
Balance in hands of Grand Treasurer
$ 2,540 12
. 15,247 90
$17,788 02
15,042 50
$2,745 52
STOCK ACCOUNT.
Balance from last year's report
Goods bought during the year
Freight, etc., on supplies from Sov. Grand Lodge..
Profit during the year
Goods sold during the year
Value of Stock on hand
Dr.
Cr.
$241 60
440 80
32 00
129 79
$ 628 09
216 10
$ 844 19 $ 844 19 2773
ODD FELLOWS' HOME FUND.
RECEIPTS.
Amount on hand per last report $ 4827 00
Donations from Lodges, etc., and withdrawals from Bank
as per Financial Statement 10343 05
Donation from Grand Lodge, per resolution 200 00
Interest—Imperial Bank of Canada 8 55
do Dominion Gov't Savings Bank 16 47
Transfer of Fines, 1906-7 8 00
$15403 07
Less withdrawals from Bank and repayment of mortgage.. $ 8170 00
$ 7233 07
EXPENDITURE.
Exchange on Remittances $ 7 05
Printing, Postage, etc., of Committee 22 25
$ 29 30
Total value of Fund $ 7203 77
HOW INVESTED.
On Mortgage $5500 00
Imperial Bank of Canada 1708 43
Dominion Government Savings Bank 3 19
$ 7211 62
Due to Grand Treasurer $ 7 85
AGED ODD FELLOWS' FUND.
Amount on hand as per last report $477 91
Interest Dominion Government Savings Bank 10 73
$488 64
Deposited in Dominion Government Savings Bank $488 15
In hands of Grand Treasurer 49
$488 64 2774
BALANCE SHEET GRAND LODGE OF B. 0. I.O.O.F.
MAY, 1908.
Account.
Mizpah Rebekah Lodge No. 2
Beulah " " No. 5
Sovereign Grand Lodge
Grand Treasurer ... _
Profit and Loss
Dom. Gov. Sav. Bank (Home acct.)
Slocan Lodge No. 40
Aged Odd Fellows Fund
Excelsior Lodge No. 7
Dom. Gov. Sav. Bk.,Aged Odd Fellows F.
Key City Lodge No. 42
Enterprise Lodge No. 43
Mt. Fernie Lodge No. 47
Odd Fellows Home
Selkirk Lodge No. 12
Kootenay Lodge No. 16
Pacific Lodge No. 26
Camborne Lodge No. 49
Vernon Valley Lodge No. 18
Imperial Bank of Canada (Home Fund)..
Dominion Lodge No. 4
Delta Lodge No. 21
Centennial Lodge No. 20
Amity Lodge No. 27
Cloverdale Lodge No. 15
Dr.
$
125
2745
70
55
52
3 19
488 15
o
1
1
1708
1
1
00
25
00
43
00
00
5 00
Lodge No. 34.
No.
24.
. 19.
No. 18,
No. 20.
52.
Penticton Lodge No. 51
Furniture and Regalia
Rocky Mountain
Stock
Maple Leaf Rebekah Lodge No
Greenwood "
Esther "
Princeton Lodge
Island Lodge No
Harmony Lodge No. 6
Boundary Valley Lodge No. 38
W. E. Vanstone (Home Fund)
West Home and Im. Co. (Home Fund)
Tatnai Lodge No. 9
Michel Lodge No 54
Maple Leaf Lodge No. 53
3
546
30
65
216 10
1 50
2 15
50
2541
3120
60
00
33
13
45
45
$11564 54
Or.
$ 39 25
3613 47
'"'4*25
488 64
3 00
7 66
76
I 50
7365 37
6 40
6 05
/O
6 00
7 35
1 00
50
i 25
6 00
600
$11564 54 2775
GENERAL RELIEF COMMITTEES.
The following reports have been received from the General Relief
Committees of this Jurisdiction respecting their work for the past year:
Victoria. Vancouver.
No. of Brothers relieved 12 30
Amount paid for relief $1211 50 $1333 70
do do Management Expenses 33 00 144 80
do of Receipts 1400 20 1596 40
REBEKAH BRANCH.
The condition of the Rebekah Branch of the Order shows a
marked improvement. One new Lodge has been instituted by the
Grand Master, "Naomi," No. 21, at Revelstoke, on 23rd September,
1907. The membership of the Rebekah Lodges shows an increase for
the year ended 31st December last of 166 brothers and 148 sisters, a
total of 314. Steps are being taken to resuscitate the Rebekah Lodge
at Cumberland and the institution of one at Eburne is contemplated.
I hope that the Rebekah Assembly to be instituted at this Session will
be the means of increasing the interest taken in this branch, particularly by the Sisters, and lead to greater results than we have ever seen
in this Jurisdiction.
THE GRAND MASTER.
I am of the opinion that the success we have met with this year
is in a great measure due to the self-sacrificing efforts that have been
put forth by our present Grand Master who has not spared himself
either in time or money to efficiently perform the duties of his office.
While we have members of the type of Bro. Embleton to take up the
work the prosperity of the Order is assured.
NEW RITUALS.
The Sovereign Grand Lodge at its last Session having adopted a
new Subordinate Lodge Ritual to come into force on 1st July next
and to be exchanged for the old Rituals returned to the Grand
Secretary book for book without additional cost except that the cost
of transportation from the Sovereign Lodge has to be borne, I have
ordered a supply of the new Rituals and hope to be able to distribute
them to the Lodges before the 1st July. I would suggest that the
cost of sending out these Rituals to the respective Lodges be borne
by the Grand Lodge, also that the new Rituals be numbered and a
register of them kept in the Grand Secretary's Office, further that the
D.D.G.M.'s be required to take a receipt from Noble Grands for the
Rituals at installation and forward same to the Grand Secretary.
This would enable the Grand Secretary to keep a check on all Rituals
and would at the same time impress the Noble Grands with a sense
of personal responsibility for the custody of these books. At the present time I regret to say there is a good deal of laxity and careless- 2776
ness shown as to the care of these Rituals, and I am often called
on to replace copies which are reputed to be lost. An amendment to
the By-laws of the Grand Lodge to give effect to these suggestions
will be submitted for your consideration. Something of this nature
will be required in the future more so than in the past, for the
reason that Lodges are now permitted to have six rituals, some, however, will be content as formerly with four, whereas others will obtain
the full number allowed.
OFFICIAL CERTIFICATES.
The Sovereign Grand Lodge having reduced the price of Official
Certificates from 80 cents to 60 cents per 100, I would recommend that
the price charged to our Lodges be fixed at 80 cents instead of $1
as formerly.
• The Grand Sire called for a report as to what Lodges of this
Jurisdiction were using the Official Certificate as a receipt for dues.
I was pleased to be in a position to report that all of them were
doing so.
HOME FUND.
The energetic committee on this fund appointed last Session has
kept the subject prominently before the Lodges during the year with
the result that $1327.85 has been received as donations up to the
time of writing.
The mortgagor in the De Wynter mortgage was permitted to discharge the mortgage by paying three months' interest in lieu of notice
and the money was immediately re-invested at an additional one per
cent, interest on eligible property in the City of Vancouver. An
investment of $2,500 has also been effected on residential property in
New Westminster at seven per cent. The security in each case was
personally inspected by the Grand Warden and Grand Treasurer.
There is now $5,500 of this fund invested on first mortgages. This
fund now amounts to $7203.77, an increase of $2376.77 during the year.
Some Lodges decline to subscribe to this Fund on the ground
that only those members who are easily accessible are canvassed and
that the burden as a rule falls on a few and probably these few are
the members who are most active and perform the major portion
of the work of the Lodge. They therefore think the system of calling
on these willing workers is unfair and that the money should be
raised by a general assessment on the whole membership. Notice has
been received and will be submitted to you to amend the Constitution
so as to enable the Grand Lodge to levy an assessment per capita on
the Subordinate Lodges for this purpose. If adopted this will remove
the objection at present held by some to the voluntary contribution
plan.
In August last I received a communication from the Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Saskatchewan submitting a proposal for 2777
the establishment of a Joint Home for the Jurisdictions of Manitoba,
Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia. The suggestion is well
worthy of careful consideration from the fact that neither Grand Lodge
is at present in a position to build, equip and maintain a home of its
own, but it might be possible to arrive at some feasible arrangement
for combining the four for this purpose. The letter will be submitted
for your consideration.
CALIFORNIA RELIEF FUND.
On the 30th April last I received a draft from the Grand Lodge
of California for $534.24, being 25 per cent, of the amount contributed
by the Subordinate and Rebekah Lodges of this Jurisdiction towards
the relief of the sufferers from the disastrous earthquake which
occurred in that state on 18th April, 1906. This action was taken at
the direction of the Sovereign Grand Lodge which declined to allow
any of the money collected to be devoted to the assistance of Lodges
that suffered loss, on the ground that it was given for the specific object
of aiding individual Oddfellows, and could not be used for any other
purpose. In consultation with the Grand Master it was thought advisable to submit the matter of the disposition of this money to the
Lodges which donated it and this has been accordingly done. Most of
the Lodges have donated their share to the Odd Fellows Home Fund;
two have directed the amount due them to be returned to the Grand
Lodge of California to be used as it thinks best, and one has requested
its proportion to be returned to its own treasury. As a number of
Lodges have not
submitted to you
yet been heard from
during the session.
a detailed statement will be
TRANSPORTATION.
I am pleased to be able to report that in response to a request
the Canadian Pacific, Great Northern and Esquimalt & Nanaimo Railways have kindly granted the usual Convention rates to the officers,
representatives and their wives attending this session.
DEATH.
I regret to report the death of Bro. J. E. Phillips, P.G.M., P.G.R.,
of Dominion Lodge, No. 4, Victoria, which occurred on 30th January
last. Bro. Phillips was a good Odd Fellow and a consistent and
strenuous advocate and worker for what he deemed to be right. I
took it upon myself to call on the members of the Grand Lodge
resident in Victoria to attend the funeral and to lay a wreath on the
coffin as a token of respect entertained by the Grand Lodge for his
many admirable qualities and his efforts to further the cause of
Odd Fellowship.
CONCLUSION.
The first meeting of the Grand Lodge in this city was in February,
1878, just 30 years
ago.
At that time the Order in this Province con- 2778
sisted of five Lodges and 500 members. The next meeting was held
ten years after, in 1888. At that date there were nine Lodges and 802
members. Today we have 43 Lodges with about 4,500 members. This
contrast is a most pleasing and satisfactory one, but a comparison of
the personnel of the Grand Lodge of 1888 and that of today brings
vividly before my mind the great change that has occurred in those
twenty years; every one of the elective Grand officers that attended that
session with the exception of myself have gone "to that bourne from
which no traveller returns." Joshua Davies, the Grand Master, the
keen and shrewd man of business, J. H. Meldram, Deputy Grand
Master, the indefatigable worker for Odd Fellowship, and Robert
Scott, Grand Warden, the sturdy and undaunted father of Harmony
Lodge, No. 6, have all gone to their last reward, but their work survives and their example inspires us to renewed effort in the cause
they loved so well. In my twenty-four years' experience in this Grand
Lodge nothing strikes me so much as its constantly changing personnel, but the unbroken continuity of its work, like Tennyson's river,
"goes on forever."
"Time, like an ever-rolling stream, bears all its sons away."
More than half the representatives at this Session are new to the
work, yet they come imbued with the same high and noble motives
as their predecessors and I feel that the honor and welfare of our
great order is in safe hands.
With deep appreciation of the many kindnesses extended to me
at all times by the members of this Grand Lodge and with sincere
wishes for a pleasant and profitable Session as well as for the continued and ever-increasing prosperity of our beneficient Order in this
Jurisdiction and for its extension the wide world over.
Yours fraternally,
Grand Secretary 2779
REPORT OF GRAND TREASURER.
To the Grand Lodge of British Columbia, I.O.O.F.
I beg to submit a statement of my receipts and disbursements as Grand
Treasurer during the past year.
1907
RECEIPTS.
Aug.
" 151
Sept. 221
Oct. 4
Dec.
10 do
"o Cash from late Grand Treasurer
do do (supplementary report)
do Royal City Lodge, No. 3
do Amity Lodge, No. 27
do G. A. Miller, D.D.G.M., Lodges 8, 10, 19,
24 and 26
do Royal City Lodge, No. 3
do Grand Secretary
do do
do Royal City Lodge, No. 3
do Interest, Royal Bank of Canada
do Royal City Lodge, No. 3, and Amity Lodge,
No. 27, donation to Home Fund
do Royal City Lodge, No. 3
do Grand Secretary
do Lodges Nos. 8, 10, 19 and 26, donation to
Home Fund
Grand Secretary
1908
Jan. 4|
19,
Feb.
March 30
April 3
3
" 18
I 22
May 23 [
" 27
do
Royal City Lodge, No. 3
Amity Lodge, No. 27
Interest, Royal Bank of Canada
G. A. Miller, D.D.G.M., Lodges 8, 10,
24 and 26
Grand Secretary
Beulah Rebekah Lodge, No. 5, donation
to Home Fund
Royal City Lodge, No. 3
Grand Secretary
Interest, Royal Bank of Canada
Royal City Lodge, No. 3, donation to
Home Fund
Amity Lodge, No. 27, donation to Home
Fund
Grand Secretary
do
DISBURSEMENTS.
IBy paid Orders, Nos. 1 to 50, inclusive.
i
Balance
$2540 12
378 00
75 50
88 50
409 40
3 00
1335 80
2736 65
5 00
10 52
21 40
1 25
5892 00
68 55
41 60
77 50
100 00
12 89
426 95
41 60
58 95
5 00
1193 15
16 74
32 00
5 50
155 60
2210 45
$17943 62
$15042 50
$ 2901 12
Fraternally submitted,
E. L. WEBBER, Grand Treasurer, 278o
Grand Representatives Report.
To the Officers and Members of the Grand Lodge of British Columbia,
I. 0. 0. F.
Your Representatives to the eighty-third annual communication of
the Sovereign Grand Lodge, which convened in the Old Capitol building, St. Paul, Minn., on the 16th of September, 1907, herewith beg
leave to submit the following report:
On Sunday, the 15th September, the Grand Representatives and
friends attended divine service at the People's Church, under the
auspices of the Order, and listened to an able discourse by the Rev.
Samuel G. Smith, the pastor, a copy of which is inserted in the journal.
On Monday at 9.30 a.m. a formal welcome to the members and
friends of the Sovereign Grand Lodge was extended in the Central
Presbyterian Church. Justice Edwin A. Jaggard of the Supreme Court,
welcomed the members of the Order in the place of the Hon. John A.
Johnson, Governor of Minnesota, who was called out of the city.
Hon. Robt. A. Smith, the Mayor of St. Paul, and a veteran of the
Sovereign Grand Lodge for fifty years, welcomed us to the city.
George W. Scherer, G.M., on behalf of the Grand Lodge; D. S.
Whittemore, Grand Patriarch of Minnesota, and Miss Rose Whiting,
President of the Rebekahs, all gave assurances of a warm welcome to
their state, city and brotherhood.
Grand Sire, Brother E. S. Conway, in a carefully prepared address,
responded in a very able manner, outlining the policy of our Order
and the ideals for which it stood; the essense of his address was
"Character is the true dignity of Life."
At the conclusion of the address the meeting adjourned to the old
Capitol building where the Grand Lodge was formerly opened with
prayer by the Grand Chaplain, Rev. J. M. Baker, of Indiana, and the
proper declaration made by the Deputy Grand Sire, Judge John L.
Nolen. 2781
Upon the call of the roll the following officers were present:
E. S. Conway Grand Sire
John L. Nolen Deputy Grand Sire
John B. Goodwin Grand Secretary
M. Richards Muckle Grand Treasurer
J. M. Baker Grand Chaplain
Edwin L. Pilsbury Grand Marshal
Will A. Steidley Grand Guardian
W. L. Brown Grand Messenger
Together with representatives from forty-nine Grand Lodges and
thirty-six Grand Encampments.
THE GRAND SIRE S REPORT.
The Grand Sire presented an excellent report, particularly in
connection with the condition of the Order in Foreign Jurisdictions.
His correspondence represented practically every country in which the
Order is established and which may lead to important developments.
His recommendation that we should be in closer fraternal touch
with European Grand Lodges and the Grand Lodge of Australia and
that each should send one Grand Representative to attend the Sessions
of the Sovereign Grand Lodge is a natural development of the situation
and one that should commend itself to every member of the Sovereign
Grand Lodare.
The growth of the Order is shown
from his report:
bv
the following table taken
GROWTH OF THE ORDER IN
1905
Lodge members 1,278,065
Encampment members 185,370
Patriarchs Militant 18,465
Rebekah members, sisters 322,647
1906.
1906
Gain.
1,362,310
84,245
193,846
8,476
20,001
1,536
347,223
24,576
Total number of persons belonging to the Order, being the members of the subordinate lodges and sisters of the Rebekah lodges,
December 31, 1906, 1,709,533.
Total amount expended for relief by the Order for 1906,
$5,005,753.37, an increase over 1905, $325,365.63.
RECEIPTS OF LODGES, ENCAMPMENTS, AND REBEKAH
LODGES FOR 1906.
The total receipts of subordinate lodges, subordinate encampments,
and Rebekah lodges for 1906, $15,168,307.90, an increase over the previous year of $1,106,757.21. 2782
Of Oddfellows' Homes, he says:—
"Nothing has done more to call the attention of good people to the
real worth of our Order than the building and maintaining of Homes
for the aged and indigent of our Fraternity. There are forty-two
Homes and 2,379 members of these Homes. The present value of
the Homes, $2,561,135.43. The cost of maintenance for 1906 was
$397,066.27. Eleven Jurisdictions are now raising funds for the
erection of Homes, and it is learned in an indirect way that there are
some Homes in the Foreign Jurisdictions that have as yet not been
reported."
From the Grand Secretary's report we take the following as to
the excellent condition and work of the Order throughout the world
from 1830 to December 31, 1906:
In many important respects the past year has been the most successful in the history of the Order. The net increase in subordinate
lodge membership has been 84,245, being the highest point ever reached
in a year; the net increase in sisters of the Rebekah branch has been
24,576, being the next to the largest ever made, and exceeded only by
that of 1902, while the net increase of subordinate lodge membership and
sisters of the Rebekah branch in the past year treated and considered
together, make the largest aggregate net gain ever reported, being
108,821. The present subordinate lodge membership is now 1,362,310,
and the sisters of the Rebekah branch number 347,223, and these
together show the aggregate membership of the Order at the end of
1906 to have been 1,709,533. This estimate does not include Encampment or Patriarchs Militant members or brothers of Rebekah lodges,
as all these are subordinate lodge members and are included in the
total above given. As the total membership is now less than 300,000
below the two million mark, with the present interest, activity, and
enthusiasm and with continuing favorable conditions, this number
will in all reasonable probability be reached by the end of 1908.
It will be seen that activity and prosperity very generally prevail
throughout the Jurisdictions as to the subordinate and Rebekah
branches, and it is rare and exceptional to find the absence of it, and
in the very few instances in which it does appear it is a very slight
decrease only and temporary, and due to some special condition, and
the information is that this will be more than recovered during the
present year.
It may, therefore, and deserves to be said that the condition of the
Order in active interest, building up, and relief work, was never so
good as now. With the progress made, vast membership attained, and
present financial resources, the Order is now stronger and better prepared for carrying on its fraternal and benevolent work than ever
before.
The receipts of the Grand Secretary's office from Representative
tax, sale of supplies, and interest on deposits, amounts to $117,685.97 2783
for the fiscal year just closed as against $110,949.05 for the previous
'year.
Some general results of the year's work may, therefore, be
summarized as follows:
Larger membership in all branches of the Order than ever before.
The largest net gain in subordinate lodge membership ever made
in a year, and next to the largest in sisters of the Rebekah branch
of the Order.
The largest expenditure for relief.
The largest amount of sales of supplies, except at periods when
new Rituals have been issued.
The sale of over 3,000,000 Official Certificates, and the consequent
reduction in price.
The institution of one new Grand Lodge and an increase of five
Grand Representatives.
These, with harmony and fraternal good will everywhere prevailing,
give much to be thankful for.
GRAND REPRESENTATIVES.
Since the last session of The Sovereign Grand Lodge the new
Grand Lodge of Saskatchewan, Canada, has been instituted, and from
it the certificates of two Grand Representatives have been received.
The Grand Encampments of Manitoba, Maritime Provinces and
South Dakota, respectively, have gained one Grand Representative
each, making an addition of five, and the present number of Grand
Representatives, 205.
STATISTICS OF THE ORDER THROUGHOUT THE WORLD
FROM 1830 TO DECEMBER 31 ST, 1906.
INCLUDING AUSTRALIA, DENMARK, GERMANY, NETHERLANDS, SWEDEN,
AND SWITZERLAND.
Initiations in Subordinate Lodges 3,197,676
Members relieved 3,256,601
Widowed Families relieved 288,939
Members deceased 320,577
Total Relief $115,111,919.67
Total Revenue 208,465,683.51 I 2^84
CONDITION OF THE ORDER THROUGHOUT THE WORLD
DECEMBER 31 ST, 1906.
Sovereign Grand Lodge 1
Quasi-Independent Grand Lodges (Australia, Denmark,
Germany, Netherlands, Sweden, and Switzerland) .... 6
Grand Lodges 68
Grand Encampments 56
Subordinate Lodges 15,687
Subordinate Encampments 3,375
Rebekah Lodges 7,770
Lodge Members 1,362,310
Encampment Members 193,846
Rebekah Lodge Members 535,951
Total number of persons belonging to the Order 1,709,533
Total Relief paid in 1906 $ 5,005,753.37
Total Receipts of Subordinate Bodies for 1906 15,168,307.90
Total Expenses of Grand and Subordinate Bodies for 1906 7,322,201.20
Invested Funds of Grand and Subordinate Bodies
December 31st, 1906 44,117,842.29 2786 2787
DECISIONS OF GRAND SIRE.
The Grand Sire rendered forty decisions, all of which are important
and well considered and clearly given. Most of them, which refer to
Grand, Subordinate and Rebekah Lodges, and which we thought of
general and permanent interest are as follows:
Dec. 2. Statement—The Grand Master in his annual report referred to an independent organization made up of representatives from
a number of subordinate and Rebekah lodges as follows:
"I am of the opinion that this organization has, probably unintentionally, assumed to use the name of the Order to an extent never
intended to be delegated to it by this Grand Lodge. It conducts
entertainments, excursions, raffles, and rummage sales in the name
of the Order without asking the dispensation of the Grand Master.
It is certainly not the desire of this Grand Lodge to delegate to any
organization in matters of this kind greater rights than are accorded
to the subordinate and Rebekah lodges of this Jurisdiction.' Also
letters of appeal should not be sent out to the lodges without the
approval of the Grand Master."
This report was referred to the Committee on Judiciary and
Appeals and that Committee recommended that the matter of the
legal standing of this organization be referred to the Grand Sire.
The letters I. O. O. F. and the three links are not used on the printed
matter, but it claims to be an organization of our Order and is
publicly so known.
Answer—The Grand Master was clearly right in his opinion. No
association or league, composed of delegates selected from a given
number of lodges or Rebekah lodges has any right, according to the
laws of our Order, to conduct entertainments, etc., without a dispensation from the Grand Master. The mere fact that the letters I.O.O.F.
and the three links are not used is immaterial, if the association or
league is made up of representatives from lodges and Rebekah lodges.
No club composed of the members of any subordinate lodge, Rebekah
lodge, encampment or canton, has a right to conduct any entertainment, dance, etc., without a dispensation, such as would be required
for either of these subordinate bodies. No raffle can be conducted in
the name of the Order. A dispensation cannot be granted for that
purpose. A rummage sale might be conducted by a subordinate body,
a club, an association or league, provided dispensation had been
granted by the proper Grand Officer.
Dec. 3. Question 1—During the recess of the Grand Lodge, and
in the absence of any local law governing the resuscitation of lodges,
has the Grand Master the right to restore the name, charter, and
effects to five or more petitioners of a suspended lodge, if in the
judgment of the Grand Master, a successful, harmonious lodge will be
maintained ?
Answer—No. 2788
Question 2—Can a suspended lodge be resuscitated by a Grand
Master upon the petition of five or more members of said suspended
lodge, said petition praying that a new charter bearing the name and
number of said suspended lodge be issued, and the effects of said
suspended lodge be restored?
Answer—No.
Question 3—Has the Grand Master or the petitioners of a suspended lodge the right to exclude from membership of the resuscitated
lodge all members of said suspended lodge which said Grand Master
or said petitioners believe will be detrimental to the success and
harmony of the resuscitated lodge?
Answer—If the lodge has been closed by the preceding Grand
Master and his action approved by the Grand Lodge, then the present
Grand Master is not authorized to set aside the action of the Grand
Lodge. He has the authority to grant a dispensation for a new lodge,
and may allow the use of the same name and number. In this new
lodge. such members may constitute the charter members, as may be
approved by the Grand Master.
Dec. 4. Statementr—Bro. Robert Mobley, P.G.M., and P. G. Rep.,
was tried in his subordinate lodge in this Jurisdiction upon charges
and specification, found guilty, and sentenced to suspension for the
period of one year. He appealed to the Grand Lodge of Idaho, and
on his application the Grand Master granted stay of execution. The
Grand Lodge dismissed his appeal, sustaining his subordinate lodge.
He has regularly taken his appeal, in good faith, to The Sovereign
Grand Lodge, and the Transcript on appeal is about ready for the
printer. At the last session of the Grand Lodge a resolution amending
the by-laws of subordinates was passed whereby an appeal ipso facto,
stays execution where the sentence is suspension. Herewith as part
of this statement is a copy of the proceedings relating to the said
resolution, certified under the seal of the Grand Lodge by the Grand
Secretary.
Question—Does the appeal of Bro. Mobley from the action of the
Grand Lodge of Idaho to The Sovereign Grand Lodge, stay, ipso facto,
the sentence of suspension?
Answer—No.
Dec. 5. Statement—A member of the I. O. O. F. in the Jurisdiction of Ohio met with an accident which rendered him totally blind.
He was in arrears for dues and not entitled to benefits. He was
placed on the sick list of his lodge, and is still on the sick list. There
is no prospect of his ever becoming able, by reason of his blindness,
to earn a livelihood, as he is quite an old man. But since becoming
afflicted, he has paid up his dues, and, to all other intents and purposes,
is in ffood standing.
Question—If, while already on the sick list because of blindness,
but not entitled to benefits for the present sickness, he should become 2789
afflicted with another sickness, could he be placed on the sick list a
second time and draw benefits for said second sickness, although never
having recovered sufficiently from his first sickness (blindness) to
follow some occupation whereby he could gain a livelihood?
Answer—Yes.
Dec. 6. Statement—In each of several subordinate Grand Jurisdictions there is an organization which meets at the convenience of
the membership and at the call of the chief officer, the members of
which will not propose, nor will the Order accept, any applicant who
is not a Scarlet degree member of the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows.
There is no reference in the printed matter, laws, or ritualistic
work of this organization, to Odd Fellowship; neither are the initials,
signs, or any of the emblems of the I. O. O. F., used by the organization
in any form or manner.
Question—Is a member in affiliating with, or organizing, such
society in violation of, or in conflict with, the laws of The Sovereign
Grand Lodge as referred to in resolution No. 66, by Past Grand Sire
Pinkerton, found at bottom of page 154, Daily Journal of The Sovereign Grand Lodge, 1906?
Answer—No.
Dec. 7. Statement—Referring to the Journal of The Sovereign
Grand Lodge for 1905, and page 20, of the same, I find the following
questions and answers in the report of Robert E. Wright, P.G.S.,
which were approved at that session:
Question—Can Grand Secretaries under the resolution of 1903
sell a number of these cipher keys to the Secretaries of subordinate
lodges upon their order?
Answer—Yes.
Question—If the Grand Secretary is permitted to sell a number
of these keys to the Secretary of a subordinate lodge, can the Secretary
of the subordinate lodge sell them to members of his lodge?
Answer—Yes, but to Third degree members only.
Question—Can any Odd Fellow, except one who has obtained the
Third degree, buy or have one of these keys?
Answer—No.
Question—Can a Grand Secretary sell these keys to any Odd
Fellow in good standing, or must he sell them to secretaries of
subordinate lodges only?
Answer—To secretaries of subordinate lodges only. 2790
Question—Is it a violation of the law for a brother who has but
one of these keys to sell it to another brother, or to give it or lend it
to another brother?
Answer—Yes; although there is no specific legislation on this
subj ect.
The above queries, you will understand, refer to the cipher keys
of the secret work of the subordinate lodges.
Question—Do the same restrictions and regulations as above cited
apply to the disposal of and regulate the sale of cipher keys of the
secret work of the subordinate encampments?
Ansz
swer-
Yes.
Dec. 8. Statement—In accordance with the law authorizing the
formation of a General Relief Committee in cities having two or more
lodges, the lodges of Memphis have organized such a committee. Said
committee is authorized to levy a tax of 10 cents per capita every
term of six months for the purpose of relieving transient or sojourning
members of lodges located elsewhere throughout the world. By vote
the Memphis lodges authorize the General Relief Committee to use
such fund for the purpose of assisting or relieving any members of the
Memphis lodges or the families of such members, if (in the judgment
of the General Relief Committee) the lodge to which such member
belongs is financially unable to supply the needed assistance.
Question—Have the lodges the right to give.such authority to the
General Relief Committee?
Answer—No.
Dec. 10. Question I-—Should an Odd Fellows' lodge entertain a
motion or a resolution to donate from its general funds for the purpose of assisting in the erection of a building to be used by an organization known as the Young Men's Christian Association?
Answer—No.
Question 2—Would it be legal for a Noble Grand to entertain a
motion or a resolution to appoint a committe of Odd Fellows to solicit
voluntary contributions from members of the Order for this purpose,
the same to be contributed either as individual members of the Order
or in the name of the lodge in which the donors hold membership?
Answer—No.
Dec. 11. Statement—The following question was submitted
Grand Sire Carleton and his answer follows the question:
to
"Question—If a brother is reported sick with a chronic disease
(rheumatism), and the lodge pays 40 weeks' benefits at two dollars
per week; the brother is then a little better and is reported from the 2791
sick list; in a short time is reported sick again from same disease,
and continues sick for a long time; must the lodge pay him two
dollars per week for 52 weeks from the date of the last report, or can
it pay the balance of 12 weeks, which would have been the brother's
due if he had not been reported recovered from the first sickness, and
then one dollar per week thereafter? Would you call this last sickness a new one, or a continuation of the old, where the disease is the
same?
"Answer—It is two separate cases of sickness and and the lodge
must pay him two dollars per week from date of the last sickness.—
1897 Journal, S. G. L., Decision 18, page 15,166."
The Judiciary Committee recommended the approval of this decision. See Report No. 105, page 15,534. When the report was considered The Sovereign Grand Lodge took separate action on Decision
No. 18, and disapproved of it.—See bottom of page 15,584, and top
of 15,585.
Question—From this action of The Sovereign Grand Lodge, does
the law then stand that in cases similar to that asked of the Grand
Sire, the lodge should treat it as one sickness?
Answer—Yes.
Question—As this matter has not been digested in Busbee's Digest,
would its absence therefrom affect its legal status or validity at this
time?
Answer—No.
Dec. 12. Statement I—Our laws, you will note, provide for
"complaint" and "charges" where a brother has committed an offense.
Any brother may make complaint, in which case it is referred to the
Noble Grand, who appoints a committee of investigation. If this
committee finds the complaint well founded it prefers formal charges
in its own name against the offending brother.
Statement 2—Members of a lodge were complained of by the
Grand Master for being in the saloon business, and the lodge directed
to proceed against them. Previous to such notice, it is alleged, the
brothers resigned, on the night of, or immediately following, the complaint of the Grand Master. Upon learning the facts the Grand
Master directed that such resignations be annulled and that the members be proceeded against. Committees were appointed to investigate
the charges and complaint. Some of the members were expelled thereunder, but on others the committees failed to report. Finally the
Grand Master suspended the charter of the lodge and reported the
facts to the Grand Lodge. The Grand Lodge directed the return of
the charter and that the lodge proceed against the brothers for saloon-
keeping. This situation presents the following questions.
Question I—If the resignations were received prior to the
plaint of the Grand Master, were they legal and effective?
com- 2792
Answer—Yes. (This decision was amended on report by Judiciary Committee).
Question 2—Could these resignations take place after complaint
had been made against the brothers by the Grand Master or other
persons, any time previous to formal charges having been preferred
by the committee?
Answer—No.
Question 3—Is our "complaint" equivalent to "charges" set out
in The Sovereign Grand Lodge law?
Answer—Yes, so far as it pertains to resignation of membership.
Dec. 13. Statement—At the recent session of The Sovereign
Grand Lodge, Report No. 139, providing a penalty of forfeiture of all
degree fees and all dues paid by a member admitted without the territorial jurisdiction of a subordinate lodge, an encampment and a
Rebekah lodge, without having secured proper permission, was
adopted. The Grand Lodge of Massachusetts has provided that the
penalty to be imposed upon a subordinate lodge in this Jurisdiction
for such a violation of law shall be for the first offence a fine of fifty
dollars, and for each subsequent offense a fine of seventy-five dollars.
Question—Does the adoption of Report No. 139 nullify the local
law in Massachusetts as above explained?
Answer—Yes.
Dec. 14. Question—Is it legal for a picnic and excursion to be
held on Sunday under the auspices of a subordinate lodge or a committee representing the lodge?
Answer—No.
Dec. 15.—Question 1—Is it the duty of the Grand Secretary, as
custodian of the Unwritten Work and Book of Diagrams, at all times,
except when the same is taken to a session of the Grand Lodge, to
keep said work in a safe or vault in his office?
Answer—Yes.
Question 2—May the Grand Secretary, as custodian of said work,
permit it to be taken from his keeping and office by any person or
persons, carrying the same into subordinate lodges for the purposes
of instructions in the work?
Question 3—Has the Grand Master, by reason of his office, any
right to the possession of this book during his term of office, for the
purposes of instruction in the work in the several subordinate lodges
of the Jurisdiction? 2793
Question 4—-When said work is present at the sessions of the
Grand Lodge, if it be within the province of the representatives to
ask for the appointment of custodians of the same, who is the proper
person to appoint such custodian—the Grand Master or the Grand
Secretary ?
• Answer—The Grand Secretary.
Dec. 16. Question 1—Is a lodge compelled under the laws of the
Order to prefer charges against a member who has become a bartender ?
Ansz
wer-
-Yes.
Question 2—A member becomes a bartender, the lodge has knowledge of the fact. He applies for a withdrawal card, the lodge grants
it. Is its action legal, no charges having been preferred against him?
Ans
UUHT-
-Yes.
Dec. 18. Statement—A brother living at a distance from his
lodge writes them for a withdrawal card. The lodge votes to grant
the card and the Secretary finds that he is out of cards and writes the
Grand Secretary for cards. Before he receives them and makes out
the brother's card to send him, the brother's wife dies, and he claims
funeral benefits on her death.
Question—Is the brother still a member of the lodge, and is he
entitled to funeral benefits on his wife's death?
Answer—No.
Dec. 19. Statement—In our State a brother must have been a
member six months before he is entitled to sick benefits and a lodge
may, by its by-laws, exclude the first week's sickness.
Question—Where a brother becomes ill before he has been a
member six months and such sickness continues until after the
expiration of his six months, does the by-law excluding the first
week's sickness have the effect of excluding the first week after the
six months' limit has expired?
Answer—No.
Dec. 20. Statement—A brother was a member of one of our
lodges here at the time the Anti-Saloon law was passed. His occupation was a bartender. He allowed himself to be suspended for nonpayment of dues and now makes application to join another lodge
on a dismissal certificate, still being a bartender.
Question—Is he eligible?
Answer—No. In the absence of local law to the contrary he
could have been reinstated in the lodge in which he had been dropped
for non-payment of dues and then could have transferred his mem- 2794
bership in the regular way. Should he discontinue the saloon business he could then make application for membership upon his dismissal certificate.
Dec. 21. Statement—The Noble Grand of a large city lodge has
been in the habit of signing in blank a hundred or more official receipts at a time, for the use of the Financial Secretary in collecting
dues between lodge sessions. The lodge by vote, directs the Noble
Grand to sign no more receipts in blank, on the ground, that such
receipt is not only a receipt for money paid, but is an order for the
Current Term Pass Word, and the Annual Traveling Pass Word,
and by the same resolution the lodge directed the Financial Secretary
to have a memorandum receipt to be issued by the Financial Secretary
to brothers paying dues between lodge sessions and providing that
an official receipt must be issued to such brothers at the next regular
meeting of the lodge, said memorandum receipt to be in the following
form:
190....
RECEIVED FROM BROTHER $
to apply on dues in Lodge, I.O.O.F. This
receipt shall be exchanged for an official receipt at the next regular
meeting of the lodge following this date, and if not so exchanged,
then the Financial Secretary shall mail to the brother above named an
official receipt.
Secretary.
Question I—Is the lodge correct in holding that it is improper for
the Noble Grand to sign official receipts in blank?
Answer-
-Yes.
Question 2—Is a memorandum receipt for dues issued in the form
above described and to be exchanged at the next regular meeting of
the lodge for an official receipt, a violation of general law?
Answer—Yes.
Dec. 23. Statement—Section 5, Article I, Constitution of the
Subordinate Lodges in the Jurisdiction of Missouri reads: "A favorable ballot on a petition for membership shall entitle the applicant
to receive any degree or degrees of a subordinate lodge."
Section 1, Article V, of the same Constitution reads: "The qualifications for degrees shall be membership in the Order free from
charges and in good standing for the following terms, viz.: For the
First degree, two weeks; for the Second degree, four weeks, and for
the Third degree, six weeks. And the brother shall be proficient in
the highest degree he shall have attained, i. e., in possession of the
obligation and unwritten work thereof, so as to give an intelligent
explanation of its uses, and as near as may be in the language of said 2795
degree. The Noble Grand shall appoint a qualified member to instruct
said brother. The examination shall be in open lodge in the degree in
which the brother is a member, after which the brother shall retire to
the anteroom. The lodge shall reopen in the Third degree and shall
determine by a majority vote as to his proficiency. If favorable, the
degree shall be conferred; if unfavorable, it shall not be conferred
until upon further examination he shall be declared proficient."
Question—Are these provisions invalid because in conflict with The
Sovereign Grand Lodge law?
Answer—No.
REBEKAH DECISIONS.
Dec. 34. Statement—A sister takes a withdrawal card from her
Rebekah lodge on the 13th day of February, 1905, and deposits the
same and was elected a member of another lodge on the 6th day of
February, 1906, but has not signed the Constitution and By-laws, as
she has not been in the vicinity of the lodge since her election. The
By-laws, governing Rebekah lodges in this Jurisdiction, read as follows:
"Each member of this lodge, on being admitted—whether by initiation,
or by card, or by certificate—shall sign the Constitution and By-laws,
and his or her membership shall date from the affixing of his or her
signature thereto."
Question—Has the sister a right to come forward and sign the
Constitution and By-laws at the present time, and thereby become a
member of the new lodge, her card having expired?
Answer—Yes.
Question—Has the lodge any right to refuse to let her sign the
Constitution and By-laws, on the ground that she should have done
so at an earlier date, there being no local law on the subject?
Answer—No.
Dec. 35. Question—May the Constitution of a Rebekah Assembly
legally provide that Past Grands and Past Noble Grands may vote for
Assembly Officers at an election to be held in the subordinate Rebekah
lodges, or must the election be held in the Assembly at its annual
session?
Answer—The Constitution of a Rebekah Assembly with the approval of the Grand Lodge can be so amended that the officers of the
Assembly may be elected by the vote of the Past Noble Grands. Said
vote to be taken in the Rebekah lodges.
Dec. 36. Statement—A lady and her husband received the Rebekah degree in a subordinate lodge. She is married again and her
present husband is not an Odd Fellow. She holds a certificate signed
hy the Noble Grand and Secretary, and under seal of the lodge certif}'-
ing that she received the Rebekah degree in said lodge. 2796
Question—Is she eligible to membership in a Rebekah lodge on
this certificate?
Answer—Yes.
Dec. 27. Statement—The Constitution of the Rebekah Assembly
of Pennsylvania, Art. XII, Sec. 3, says: "The term office in a
Rebekah lodge shall be six months or twelve months, as the by-laws
may determine." The result is that Rebekah lodges in Pennsylvania
elect officers every six months in some places, while others elect their
officers once a year. This law was approved by the Grand Lodge
of Pennsylvania at its annual session in May, 1902.
Question—Have the Rebekah
elect their officers as above?
A nswer—Yes.
lodges
in Pennsylvania a
right to
Statement—The Constitution of the Rebekah Assembly of New
Jersey, Art. Ill, Sec. 1, says: "The elective officers of this lodge, etc.,
shall serve for one year, etc." This forbids the Rebekah lodges in New
Jersey from electing officers every six months. This was approved
by the Grand Lodge of New Jersey at its annual session in November, 1905.
Question—Has the Rebekah Assembly or the Grand Lodge a right
to make such a law?
Ans
wer-
-Yes.
Dec. 38. Question—Is there a law under which the Grand Lodge
may grant power to the President of a Rebekah Assembly to restore
charter after Grand Master has expelled lodge?
Answer—No.
Dec. 39. Statement—The following is a copy of approved decision
No. 50, of Grand Sire Wright, at the 1906 session of The Sovereign
Grand Lodge:
"No. 50. Question—Is a solid gold jewel in the form of a five-
pointed star in a circle with the emblem of the Rebekah degree on
it, attached to a pink and green ribbon, sufficient regalia for a Past
Noble Grand to wear in a Rebekah lodge, and to take part in its
deliberations ?
"Answer—No."
The question has arisen whether the decision as above was rendered on account of the jewel not being in the form prescribed by
law, or whether it is intended to mean that a Past Noble Grand is not
permitted to wear a badge of pink and green in lieu of other regalia. 2797
Section 25, of the Rebekah Code provides that the regalia for each
Past Noble Grand shall be a collar, the same as the Noble Grand's in
shape and colors, except that the lace and fringe shall be of gold
instead of silver, etc. The same section further provides that sisters
who are not officers or Past Noble Grands shall wear badges or collars
of pink and green not exceeding three inches in width. See also
Rebekah ritual, pages 30 and 31.
Question I—May a Past Noble Grand, who is not an officer, wear
a badge of pink and green in lieu of other regalia?
Answer—No.
Question 2—May a Past Noble Grand, who is not an officer, wear
a badge of pink and green, with the jewel of a Past Noble Grand
affixed thereto, in lieu of other regalia?
Answer—No.
Dec. 40. Statement—In a city where there are two subordinate
lodges and one Rebekah lodge, one of the. subordinate lodges desires
to have another Rebekah lodge organized. The present Rebekah
lodge refuses to grant permission, giving its reason that one Rebekah
lodge is sufficient for the town.
Question—Can ' said subordinate lodge without permission of said
Rebekah lodge petition by resolution under seal of the lodge for dispensation to institute another Rebekah lodge in said town?
Answer—No, a subordinate lodge as such may not petition for
dispensation to institute a Rebekah lodge. Qualified members may so
petition. This petition should be in accordance with the local law
governing the granting of dispensations.
GRAND LODGE INSTITUTED.
May 29, 1907, the Grand Lodge of Saskatchewan was instituted at
Regina, by District Deputy Grand Sire H. B. Rose, of Winnipeg,
Manitoba.
OFFICIAL CERTIFICATE.
The sale of Official Certificates having reached over three millions
during the fiscal year ending July 31, 1907, as shown by the table
published elsewhere in this report, the price was reduced by the
Committee on Printing Supplies to sixty cents per hundred to Grand
Bodies, on August 1, 1907, in accordance with legislation of The
Sovereign Grand Lodge providing for the same. (See Journal of
1900, pages 792, 797, 820.) This important point having been reached,
it is hoped and believed that the law will in good faith be complied
with everywhere, and that in a comparatively short period the annual
sales will reach 4,000,000, when the next reduction to fifty-five cents
per hundred to Grand Bodies can be made. 2798
LODGE MEMBERSHIP BY JURISDICTIONS.
The total membership of the world is 1,362,310, divided by Jurisdictions and countries in the order of their numbers as follows:—
Pennsylvania 136,686
New York 108,535
Ohio 80,631
Illinois 78,920
Indiana 72,578
Massachusetts 56,773
Iowa 53,738
Missouri 55,081
Michigan 45,021
California 40,974
Kansas 37,776
Ontario 34,882
Tennessee 34,559
Australasia 30,62^
New Jersey 27,805
Georgia ' 27,631
Texas 26,154
Virginia 25,521
Maine 23,844
Kentucky 23,556
Arkansas 22,865
Alabama 20,186
Connecticut 18,939
Minnesota 18,829
Nebraska 18,689
W. Virginia 18,144
Wisconsin 17,592
Washington 17,348
N. Hampshire 14,640
Oklahoma 13,787
North Carolina 13,071
Colorado 11,710
Ind. Ter 9,660
Maryland 8,465
Mar. Prov 7,515
S. Dakota 7,131
Idaho 6,849
Vermont 6,814
Manitoba 6,569
Rhode Island 6,182
Germany 5,806
X. Dakota 4,676
South Carolina 4,613
Montana 4,575
Sweden 4,092
Mississippi 3,944
British Columbia 3,809
Quebec 3,746
Florida 3,497
Louisiana 3,176
Delaware 2,726
Wyoming 2,049
Dist. of Col 1,951
Alberta 1,644
Arizona 1,464
Nevada 1,425
New Mexico 1,393
Switzerland 453
Netherlands 480
Hawaii 315
Cuba 232
Newfoundland 147
Phillipines 76
Porto Rico 58
France 40
Yukon 27
Japan 24
Argentine 23
South Africa 7
LOSS BY NON-PAYMENT OF DUES.
The membership of the world being 1,362,310 and the total number
dropped being 58,247, the average loss in the world for non-payment
of dues is 4.2 per cent. The percentage of loss in each Jurisdiction
is shown in the following table:—
Switzerland 0.2
Sweden 0.7
New Hampshire 1.1
West Virginia 1.3
Maine 1.4
New Jersey 3.1
Germany 3.3
Indiana 3.3
Manitoba 3.4
New York 3.4 Massachusetts
275
1.4
Connecticut
1.9
Vermont
2.1
Rhode Island
California
2.2
2.3
Ontario
2.4
Nevada
2.5
Ohio
2.6
Netherlands
Kentucky
2.7
4.2
Pennsylvania
4.3
Tennessee
4.3
Iowa
4.4
Missouri
4.5
British Columbia •. 4.6
Delaware 4.6
Maryland 4.6
North Dakota 4.6
Montana 4.7
Michigan 4.8
Minnesota 4.8
Arizona 4.9
District of Col 5.2
Quebec 5.2
South Dakota 5.2
Oregon 3.5
Illinois 3.6
Alberta 3.7
Kansas 3.8
Arkansas 3.9
Maritime Provinces 3.9
Nebraska 3.9
Washington 3.9
Wisconsin 4.1
New Mexico 5.7
Colorado 6.0
Idaho 6.3
Virginia 6.4
Texas 6.8
Indian Ter 7.2
Oklahoma 7.2
Wyoming 8.1
North Carolina 8.2
Georgia 9.6
Alabama 10.6
Australasia 11.3
Florida 11.3
Louisiana 12.4
South Carolina 18.0
Mississippi 18.7
We are slightly above the average.
PROVIDING FOR ODD FELLOWS' HOMES.
The following Jurisdictions, where Homes have not yet been established, report as follows:
British Columbia—Raising a fund for a Home; cash on hand for
the purpose, $4,410.31.
District of Columbia—Raising a fund for a Home; cash on hand
for the purpose, $5,000.00.
Colorado—Has $25,000.00 invested, bearing interest, which is a
fund for the purpose of building a Home when necessary.
Idaho—Collecting a fund.
Manitoba—Cash in Home Fund invested in first mortgages at 7
and 8 per cent., $7,360.20; cash balance in bank, $2,173.20.
Nebraska—Raising a fund for a Home; endowment fund, $26,-
199.65; building fund accumulating, $3,964.01; total, $30,163.66.
Nevada—Rebekahs raising a Home fund, and have $4,250.00 on
hand invested for that purpose.
North Dakota—Raising a fund for a Home; cash on hand and
invested, bearing interest, $15,000.00. 28co
South Dakota—Raising a fund for a Home; cash on hand for
that purpose, $17,000.00.
Switzerland—Has a fund of $3,587.85.
West Virginia—Accumulating a fund to build a Home.
ASSETS OF THE SOVEREIGN GRAND LODGE.
Cash in hands of Grand Treasurer $ 96,214.29
City of Philadelphia, 3*/2 per cent. Bonds 102,499.30
Cash on Deposit for Insurance 300.00
Steel and Electrotype Plates, etc 15,587.26
Supplies (at cost price) 25,945.08
Sovereign Grand Lodge Building and Furniture 40,000.00
Debtor Balances 3,460.22
Total Assets $284,006.15
Amount July 31, 1906 248,153.90
Increase $ 35,852.25
In compliance with Report 172, page, 813, Journal 1906, the
Library and Paintings, heretofore valued at $13,214.94, are omitted
from the above list of Available Assets, and the value of Sovereign
Grand Lodge Building and Furniture has been increased to $40,000.00,
which is a fair, conservative valuation.
REPORT OF JUDICIARY COMMITTEE ON GRAND SIRE'S
DECISIONS.
Report No. 5. By Representative Daniel, of Georgia.
To the Sovereign Grand Lodge of the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows:
Your Committee on Judiciary, to whom was referred the decisions
of the Grand Sire, report that they have carefully examined and considered the same and find all of said decisions correct except the answer
to Question 1, of Decision No. 12, which answer is modified, and a
separate report will be submitted on said question and answer. We
recommend that all of said decisions except answer to Question 1, of
Decision 12, be approved.
Signed by the Committee.
Report No. 6. By Representative Buckley, of Kentucky, from the
Committee on Judiciary:
To the Sovereign Grand Lodge of the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows:
Your Committee on the Judiciary, to whom was referred decision
No. 12 of the Grand Sire, beg to report as to said decision as follows: 28oi
It is the opinion of this committee that the answer to Question
1 of Decision 12 should be amended to conform to the decision in
answer to a similar question rendered at the session of 1899, found in
the Journal of that year on page 371, report No. 139. We therefore
recommend that the following proviso be added to the answer, and
that when so amended that said answer read as follows: "Yes, provided, that if charges against a member and a resignation of such
member be presented at the same meeting of his Lodge, such resignation shall not be operative until the proper disposition of such charges."
And with amendment suggested we recommend the approval of
said Decision No. 12.
Signed by the Committee.
CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS.
The following amendment to Section 5, Article XVI, of the Constitution, page 709, Journal of 1906, was considered:
Resolved, That Section 5, Article XVI, of the Constitution of the
Sovereign Grand Lodge, which reads as follows: "No saloonkeeper,
bartender or professional gambler, shall be eligible to membership in
this Order," be amended so as to include all other dealers in intoxicating liquors, so that said section when so amended shall read as follows:
"Section 5. No saloonkeeper, bartender or other person engaged
in the selling of intoxicating liquors of any kind to any extent or in
any way, except for medicinal purposes, and no professional gambler,
shall be eligible to membership in this Order."
After a spirited discussion the vote was taken, resulting in 124
yeas, and 74 nays. The amendment not having received the constitutional majority of three-fourths (34) votes was lost.
Your Representatives all voted against this amendment.
This amendment with a slight modification was again presented
to be considered next year.
An amendment admitting to membership persons 18 years of
age or over was defeated by a large majority—59 yeas to 132 nays.
Your Representatives all voted for this amendment. The vote on
this question was almost the reverse of last year and it was clearly
seen from the expression of opinions there was little hopes for the
amendment which required 156 votes to adopt.
All the other proposed amendments were indefinitely postponed
or were declared out of order owing to their not being in proper
form.
THE REVISED WORK.
Past Grand Sire A. S. Pinkerton, chairman of the Committee on
Revised Work, reported the results of their work in secret session,
and the report was adopted with slight modifications. 2802
The new rituals were ordered to be ready for distribution May
1st, 1908, and their introduction into the Lodge work, July 1st, 1908.
The following is the basis on which. the Sovereign Grand Lodge
has ordered the collection of the old rituals and the introduction of
the new:
Report No. 135. By Representative Hall, of Pennsylvania, from
the Committee on Printing Supplies. The report was considered and
adopted as follows:
To the Sovereign Grand Lodge of the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows:
That the exchange of rituals shall be ritual for ritual, not to exceed
four from any one Lodge, without any extra expense except postage
and freight or express, and that the Grand Jurisdictions shall also
exchange on the same basis.
The basis of exchange shall be that the Grand Secretary of each
Grand Jurisdiction shall be furnished by the Grand Secretary of the
Sovereign Grand Lodge, with a sufficient number of rituals to supply
all Subordinate Lodges in such jurisdictions and for current needs of
said jurisdiction to be charged at the regular price fixed by law
therefor. On being provided with a certificate of destroyed rituals,
signed by the Grand Secretary of said Grand Jurisdiction, with seal
of such Grand Jurisdiction, such Grand Secretary shall be given credit
by the Grand Secretary of the Sovereign Grand Lodge for the amount
of all rituals so destroyed.
A Lodge can obtain as many rituals as they wish up to six (6),
that being the limit that a Lodge can have. The price of the extra
ritual to be the standard price as now, two (2) dollars each ritual to
Grand Jurisdiction.
Signed by the Committee...
CALIFORNIA RELIEF FUND.
A report from the Grand Lodge of California in reference to a
surplus in hand after using the funds contributed for the sufferers
of the recent earthquake, asked permission to use said surplus for aiding the impoverished Lodges.
The Committee on the State of the Order to which was referred
this matter made the following report which was adopted:
To the Sovereign Grand Lodge of the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows :
Your Committee on the State of the Order, to whom was referred
the resolution relating to the final disposition of the surplus of the
funds contributed by the several bodies of our Order, both subordinate
and Grand, for the relief of distressed members who were sufferers
from the great earthquake in California April 18, 1906, respectfully
report that we have carefully considered the subject matter contained
in said resolution and find that the total contributions amounted to
$216,714.49, and total disbursements to $157,921.83, leaving a balance 2803 .§
or surplus of $58,792.66, May 2, 1907. Therefore, in accordance with
the direction contained in said resolution, authorizing the disposal of
said, surplus of $58,792.66, we recommend the adoption of the following :
Resolved, That this Grand Lodge hereby relinquishes all claim to
the $2,000.00 donated or contributed out of its funds for the purposes
hereinbefore mentioned and authorizes the Grand Lodge of California
to use the same as it may determine
Resolved, That all Grand Lodges, their subordinates and such
other bodies of the Order as contributed said funds, may at their
option and upon request, relinquish all their claims to a pro rata share
of the $30,700.00 of the contributed funds used in aid of said California lodges, that being the amount so used after deducting said
$2,000.00 contributed by this Grand Body and relinquished as above.
Resolved, That the Grand Lodge of California be, and is, hereby
directed to return to the several subordinate and Grand Bodies which
contributed the remaining balance of said $58,792.66, amounting to
$26,092.66, their pro rata shares of the latter amount in proportion to
the amount contributed by each, with the understanding that any
lodge or Grand Lodge may relinquish all claim to said pro rata share
if so disposed.
Signed by the Committee.
Your Representatives, after due consideration of the circumstances
of the above case, are of the opinion that the Subordinate Lodges of
this Jurisdiction (the Grand Lodge not having subscribed) should
waive and relinquish any right or claim they may have on said refund
and that the Grand Lodge of California be authorized to use same as
it may determine.
ADDITIONAL FUNERAL CEREMONY FORM.
To The Sovereign Grand Lodge of the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows:
Your Committee on Legislation, to whom was referred Resolution
No. 4, page 213, making it permissible to use the Funeral Ceremony
adopted at the session of 1879 (Journal, pages 8128-8130), amended
at the session of 1880 (Journal, pages 8349-8350), in place of the
Funeral Ceremony now in use, in those cases where it shall be the
desire of the family of deceased that such ceremony be used, beg
leave to report that we have carefully considered same and recommend
the adoption of the following resolutions:
Resolved, That it shall be permissible to use the Funeral Ceremony adopted at the session of 1874 (Journal, pages 6173-6175), in
place of the Funeral Ceremony now in use, in those cases where it
shall be the desire of the family of deceased that such ceremony be
used. 2804
Resolved, That the Xommittee on Printing Supplies be, and they
are, hereby directed to include the said ceremony adopted at the
session of 1874 in future editions of the Book of Forms.
Resolved, That it shall be the duty of the Noble Grand or Chief
Patriarch, as the case may be, to ascertain from the family of the
deceased their wishes as to which ceremony shall be used.
Signed by the Committee.
This was adopted.
OFFICIAL CERTIFICATES.
Resolution No. 57, Journal 1906, page 759, relating to providing
Official Certificates, in lots with the name, number and location of
lodges and encampments, not having been reported on at the last
session, was also considered and your committee recommend that
Official Certificates be provided with the name, number and location
of lodges and encampments printed therein in lots of not less than
5,000 from any lodge or encampment; that orders for the same be held
by the Grand Secretary until as many as forty lodges or encampments,
respectively, through Grand Secretaries or Grand Scribes have ordered
lots of not less than 5,000 each, when the orders for such certificates
shall be executed, and such certificates sold at $1.00 per thousand
additional to the regular price to cover the printing and all other
additional cost of such certificates prepared as above shown for furnishing in lots.
This was adopted.
Your Representatives understand, although they have no official
notice, that through the efforts of our Sovereign Grand Secretary, Bro.
John B. Goodwin, this stated quantity has been cut down to Tiot less
than 2,000 from any one lodge. Such being the case and as there
is no likelihood of the present form of Official Certificate being invalidated by future legislation, there is no reason why each lodge should
not purchase that quantity which would simplify, facilitate and reduce
the work of each secretary in issuing receipts in a very neat form.
AMENDMENTS PROPOSED.
The following amendments to the Constitution were presented for
action next year, the section when amended to read as here given:v
To Sec. 5, Art. XVI:
"Sec. 5. No saloonkeeper, bartender or other person engaged in
the selling of intoxicating liquors, except for medicinal, mechanical
or scientific purposes, and no professional gambler, shall be eligible
to membership in this Order."
Practically the same amendment was presented in two or three
forms. 2805
To Sec. 2, Art. XVI:
"Sec. 2. No person shall be entitled to admission to the Order
except free white males of good moral character who have arrived
at the age of eighteen years and who believe in a Supreme Being,
the Creator and Preserver of the Universe; provided, however, that
in Australia, New Zealand and other countries not on the continent
of North America in which the Order has been or may hereafter be
established, and a Grand Lodge or Grand Lodges formed, the qualification as to age shall be left to local legislation."
A largely signed amendment was proposed to Art. I, Art. II and
Art. Ill of the Constitution, changing the title of the Body and correspondingly its officers. The Body is to be changed in name from
"Sovereign Grand Lodge" to "Sovereign Lodge." The officers shall
be called a Grand Sire, Dep'uty Grand Sire, Sovereign Secretary,
Sovereign Treasurer, but the titles of the remaining Grand Officers
to be as they now are. The amendment is signed by Past Grand
Sires Underwood, Campbell, Busbee, Carlton, Pinkerton, Durham and
Cable, Grand Sire Conway, Deputy Grand Sire Nolen and many
Grand Representatives.
This, in our opinion, is a good move, and one which should carry
unanimously at the Denver session.
NEW TRANSFER LAW.
Resolved, That a member of the Order in possession of an Official
Certificate or Visiting Card changing his residence from the Territorial
Jurisdiction of his lodge or encampment to the Territorial Jurisdiction
of another, and desiring to unite with a lodge or encampment at his
new place of residence, upon making application for membership,
accompanied by his Official Certificate or Visiting Card, showing his
dues paid in advance and being elected as provided by local law upon
notice being sent by the Secretary or Scribe, to his lodge or encampment, said lodge or encampment shall, unless charges are pending
against him, without ballot and without fee, issue a Transfer Certificate and send the same, at once, to the Secretary or Scribe sending
for the same; and upon receipt of the Transfer Certificate, the
member shall be entitled to sign the Constitution and become a
member of his new lodge or encampment without the payment of
any admission fee; provided, that if a physician's certificate is required
he must pay the expense of the same. The issuing of a Transfer
Certificate shall sever membership in the lodge or encampment issuing
it; provided, that if the member becomes sick or disabled, or should
die within four weeks of its date and before completing his membership by signing the Constitution of his new lodge or encampment, then
said Transfer Certificate shall be cancelled and said member shall
retain his beneficial standing in" his old lodge or encampment the
same as though no Transfer Certificate had issued. Provided, further,
that a brother, desiring to receive advantage of the preceding proviso,
must pay his dues four weeks in advance of the date of his Transfer
Certificate. 28o6
The provisions hereof, except those relating to benefits, shall apply
to Rebekah lodges the same as to subordinate lodges and encampments; and be it further
Resolved, That the resolution on page 761, Journal 1904, known
as the "New Transfer Law," and the amendments thereto on pages
778 and 784, Journal' of 1906, and all decisions and legislation inconsistent herewith, be, and the same are, hereby repealed.
Adopted.
Resolved, That the Committee on Printing Supplies be, and are,
hereby directed to prepare and place on sale as other supplies, a
'Transfer Certificate," with the seal of the Sovereign Grand Lodge
thereon; said Transfer Certificate to *be used in changing or transferring membership from one lodge or encampment to another lodge
or encampment, upon change of residence of a member; and to contain
blank spaces, for the name of the member, date of admission, how
admitted and rank obtained, the name, number and location of the
lodge or encampment issuing it, and the date of issue.
Said Transfer Certificate to be sold by the Grand Secretary to the
several Jurisdictions at a price not to exceed two cents each.
Adopted.
OTHER MATTERS ADOPTED.
The following, offered by Grand Representative Grason of Maryland, was adopted:
"Resolved, That it shall be and is unlawful for any lodge to
make the payment of its funeral benefits depend on the burial of the
member by the Order or the use of the burial service as provided by
the Order. In all cases where the member is in good standing at
the time of his death and entitled to funeral benefits under the law
of the Order, the same shall be paid as herein provided, whether buried
by the Order or the Ritual and funeral service as provided by the
Order is used at his funeral or burial."
The following resolution was adopted:
'Resolved, That the Committee on Printing and Supplies be and
are hereby directed to inquire into the advisability and practicability
of having all regalia and paraphernalia manufactured and sold under
the authority and control of the Sovereign Grand Lodge as supplies
and report at the next session That should the committee be of the
opinion that such action should be taken, then it shall submit as a'part
of its report a plan for fully carrying out the objects of this resolution."
In an able report from the Committee on International Relations
Grand Representative Hoagland of Nebraska showed that it was im- 2807
possible, under the Constitution and the special charters under which
foreign Jurisdictions work, to adopt the recommendation of the Grand
Sire to compensate Representatives of such Jurisdictions, in whole or
in part, for the expense of their attendance at the sessions of the
Sovereign Grand Lodge. The report says:
"Under the charters we have granted to them they are working
for the same universal brotherhood that we are working for. They
have the same Ritual and same Secret Work. They are a part of
us, and are organized to put into practical operation the principles
that control us in our efforts to bring about a period in the world's
history when all nations, tongues and kindreds of the earth shall be
governed by the law of universal brotherhood. Hence we should be in
close fraternal touch with them. They should have a Representative
at each session of this Body, with the privilege of taking part in its
deliberations, so that we may have an exchange of ideas and experiences which will be bound to be beneficial to all."
Later an amendment was proposed which, if adopted, would enable
the payment of the expenses of foreign Representatives.
Grand Representatives Hoskins and Kolb of Ohio wanted the
ceremony for laying corner-stones of a public edifice changed or
amended so that it may be more impressive. The resolution was
adopted and the Grand Sire directed to appoint a special committee
of three to make such revision."
The telegraphic cipher and key was amended by the addition of
the following:
"Rock—A member of our lodge is in your city needing assistance.
His name and address are "
NURSE LAW.
The Committee on Legislation made the following report which
was adopted and the committee of five appointed to bring in report at
the next session:
"Your Committee on Legislation, to whom was referred Resolution
No. 16, page 36, regarding the duty of a brother away from home and
out of the jurisdiction of his own lodge, so far as it relates to attentive
benefits, have given the matter careful consideration.
"From arguments made before the committee by Representatives
of this Grand Lodge, from similar resolutions introduced at previous
sessions and from circumstances coming under the personal observation of members of the committee, it seems apparent that the present
laws are not wholly satisfactory or equitable in their application and
that legislation of some sort is needed. What the scope of that
legislation should be or in what detail your committee are unable
to determine in the limited time at their disposal. Believing, however,
that a satisfactory solution of the problems involved can be reached,
your committee respectfully recommended the reference of the above 2808
resolution to a special committee of five to be appointed by the Grand
Sire, whose duty it shall be to take into considef-a&oir the subject-
matter involved and report, not later than the second day of the next
session, and without" expanse to the Sovereign Grand Lodge."
REBEKAH DEGREE.
Representative Huffaker, of Nevada, moved the following, which
was referred to the Committee on the Rebekah Degree:
Resolved, That Sections 2 and 3 of the Rebekah Degree code be
and they are hereby amended so as to read as follows:
Section 2. The Grand Lodges Subordinate to the Sovereign Grand
Lodge are hereby authorized and empowered to institute Rebekah
Lodges at such places as they may deem proper within their territorial
limits, and during the recess of such Grand Lodge, the Grand Masters
are hereby authorized to grant dispensations for the institution of such
Rebekah Lodges, subject, however, to the approval of the Grand Lodge
at its next session.
Section 3. A Grand Master shall be the installing officer, who
may, however, appoint for that purpose any Past Grand or Past Noble
Grand who is in good standing in a Rebekah Lodge.
Report No. 87. By Representative Burns, of Delaware, from the
Committee on the Rebekah Degree:
To The Sovereign Grand Lodge of the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows:
Your Committee on Rebekah Degree, to whom was referred the
resolution of Representative Huffaker, of Nevada, changing Sections 2
and 3 of the Rebekah Degree code report that they have considered the
amendments and recommend the adoption of the same as amended.
Signed by the Committee.
Report No. 88. By Representative Wilkerson, of Missouri, from
the Committee on the Rebekah Degree:
To The Sovereign Grand Lodge of the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows:
Your Committee on Rebekah Degree, to whom was referred the
resolution of Representatives Phelps and Bell, granting the power to
Vice Grands to communicate the annual password to a member visiting
from another jurisdiction when examined in the ante-room when found
in possession of the proper credential and entitled to admission.
We, your committee after careful consideration of said resolution,
recommend its adoption. 2809
MATTERS NOT ADOPTED.
Representative Emerson of New Hampshire offered a resolution
providing for the election of Grand Marshal and other officers of
Grand Lodges now required to be appointed. The answer was "No."
Grand Representative Hawkes and Dale of Pennsylvania wanted
that there be added to supplies furnished by the Sovereign Grand
Lodge a Grand Representative Jewel, to be worn by the G. Reps,
as evidence of office.
Representative Peppeman of Alabama offered a resolution to strike
out Sub-division 3 of Section 6 of the Rebekah Code, which reads:
"All unmarried white women who have attained the age of 18 years,"
meaning thereby all women who have no qualifying relatives in the
Order. The report was adverse to the resolution and the amendment
was not therefore adopted.
Representative Robertson of Oklahoma introduced a resolution
limiting encampments to three and subordinates to two Rituals. It
was not only not adopted, but later the limit in lodges was increased
from four to six and encampments were not disturbed in the limit of
six Rituals that they have had for so many years.
Grand Representative Huffaker of Nevada proposed the following:
Resolved, That when a member of the Order, in good standing
in his subordinate lodge, shall die in and be buried by the Odd Fellows
of a Jurisdiction other than that of which the deceased brother was a
member, it shall be the duty of such Odd Fellows to give the deceased
a respectable and decent burial and the actual cost of such burial shall
be repaid by the subordinate lodge of which the deceased was a
member at the time of his death, anything in the laws of such subordinate or its jurisdiction to the contrary notwithstanding."
It was not adopted.
Grand Representatives Dana and Belcher of Massachusetts wanted
adopted a form of obligation for Trustees, and requiring them to
qualify in open lodge, either before the Noble Grand or installing
officer, before assuming their duties. The Grand Lodge refused to
adopt the proposition.
Representative Belcher of Massachusetts wanted lodges that pay
$8 or more per year in dues to have the privilege of setting apart
10 per cent, as a contingent fund, instead of 5 per cent, as now provided. The suggestion was rejected.
Grand Representative. Hoskins of Ohio offered a resolution providing that a brother away from his home might pay his dues to the
Secretary of the nearest lodge, to be forwarded by that officer to the
brother's lodge. It was rejected.
A resolution proposing that a Veteran Odd Fellow may wear his
Tewel in lieu of other regalia was not adopted. 28lO
Representative Hawkes of Pennsylvania presented the following,
but it was rejected:
"Resolved, That when a brother from another Jurisdiction holding
a Visiting Card or Official Certificate in date for visiting, presents the
same to a lodge while in session, for the purpose of visiting said
lodge, and a brother in good standing present in the lodge shall identify
and recognize the person presenting the Visiting Card or Official Certificate as the brother named therein, then the examination for admission to visit the lodge may, if the Noble Grand so directs, be the
same as for the admission of a brother of the same Jurisdiction, viz.:
His ability to work his way into the lodge. Provided, that if the
visiting brother does not have the A. T. P. W. the Noble Grand may
direct his admission to the anteroom, and upon working his way into
the lodge as above stated, communicate to him the A. T. P. W. in
force at the time of visitation; and provided, further> that this resolution shall also apply to encampments and Rebekah lodges."
THE NEXT MEETING.
The Chicago Commercial Association extended an invitation to
hold the next meeting of the S. G. L. in Chicago, offering the sum
of $10,000 for its entertainment. The Grand Lodge, city, Governor
and others of Colorado invited the body to meet in Denver. By a
unanimous vote the latter city was selected, and in September, 1908,
the eighty-fourth communication of the S. G. L. will be held in
Denver, Col.
Report 84. By Representative Johnstone, of Wisconsin, from the
Committee on Constitutions:
To the Sovereign Grand Lodge of the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows:
Your Committee on Constitutions, to whom was referred the
amendment to the Constitution of the Grand Lodge of British Columbia, would respectfully report that they have examined the same
and find therein nothing to conflict with the Constitution of The
Sovereign Grand Lodge.
We, therefore, recommend that the same be approved.
Signed by the Committee.
COMMITTEES.-
The Grand Sire announced the various Committees and your
Representatives were honored with membership on the following:
Committee on International Relations—D. E. Mackenzie.
Committee on Unfinished Business—D. G. Dailey.
Committee on Petitions—W. H. Thorpe. 28ll
PAST GRAND REPRESENTATIVES.
A most enjoyable and entertaining evening was spent at the annual
so-called P. G. Rep. re-union, which has become an important and
successful function of the Sovereign Grand Lodge week. The meeting
was held in the Auditorium at which there were present over two
thousand people.
The chair was occupied by Bro. Frank L. Powers, P. G. Representative of St. Paul, and addresses were delivered by Bros. Judge R.
H. Myers, of Manitoba; C. A, Keller of Texas; Massena Bullard of
Montana, and Robt. T. Daniel of Georgia, each of which was a masterpiece of oratory. A musical programme was also rendered, and at
the conclusion the Auditorium was transformed from its theatre size
of seating capacity of 4,000 to the full Auditorium size with a seating
capacity of 8,000. This transformation was exceedingly interesting to
most of the visitors.
RECEPTION AT STATE CAPITOL.
A reception given by the Rebekah Assembly of Minnesota to the
visiting delegates was most delightful and charming. It took place in
the New State Capitol which was appropriately decorated and brilliantly lighted, both without and within, and at which over 5,000 people
were present.
THE GRAND PARADE.
The parade on Wednesday afternoon was a grand affair, every
branch of the Order being represented. It has become one of the
important events of the session. The parade was divided into six
divisions and each division was varied so far as the spectacular was
concerned by presenting a difference either in costume or in formation, and at all points along the line of march traffic was entirely
blocked by the mass of spectators while the parade went by, which
took over an hour and a half to pass a given point.
EXCURSION TO STILLWATER.
The first event arranged for the entertainment of the delegates
and their friends was an excursion down the Mississippi river twenty
miles to the mouth of the St. Croix, up that river thirty miles through
the St. Croix Lake to Stillwater, where the state penitentiary is
located. Over 500 took advantage of the trip and were splendidly
entertained by local Rebekah and Subordinate Lodges at an excellent
dinner, after which the party returned to St. Paul by electric railway
over land.
EXCURSION TO MINNEAPOLIS.
On Thursday afternoon an excursion as the guests of Minneapolis
to Minnehaha Falls (Laughing Waters), thence to Lake Minnetonka 28l2
seventeen miles by trolley from Minneapolis, a boat ride
Island and a lunch by the Rebekahs was thoroughly enjoyed.
to
Big
NOTES BY THE WAY.
The Jurisdiction of Washington will make a strong pull for the
Sovereign Grand Lodge to meet in Seattle in 1909. We hope they
will get it and we should give them all the assistance we can.
Past Grand Sire Durham of Lexington, Ky., is the oldest living
P.G.S., he having attended his 53rd session at St. Paul. He was hale
and hearty and entertained the representatives with an eloquent and
witty speech, brim full of happy recollections of many past sessions.
Your Representatives feel a visit from the Grand Sire would lend
new lustre to Odd Fellowship in our jurisdiction and an official
expression from this Grand Body would help along a possible visit.
The Sovereign Grand Lodge made a profit from the sale of
Official Receipts alone last year of $22,177.01, and a total profit of
$72,890.17 from the sale of supplies.
The Dominion of Canada has just been honored with one Grand
Sire since the institution of the Sovereign Grand Lodge in 1825, which
was in 1892 when P. G. S. CI. T. Campbell, of London, Ont., was
elected to that honorable position.
The Jurisdiction of Manitoba have an ambition for a Grand Sire
and intend to present the Hon. Judge Myers for Deputy Grand Sire
at Denver, Col., at the coming session. Judge Myers is competent
to fill the office, and will have the support of many representatives, and
we hope he will be successful.
The nearest Sovereign Grand Lodge official we have to us is
Louis F. Hart, Grand Secretary of Washington, who is Reading Clerk
and who is an ideal man for the office, his voice carrying clear and
distinct to every part of the room.
Your Representatives' seats were Nos. 200, 201 and 202, and were
as usual as far from the Grand Sire's chair as the "Committee on
Drawing
for Seats" could get us and still have us in the room.
Every night competitive degree work was going on in the various
halls, in which your Representatives took a keen interest and which
was witnessed with no small degree of pleasure and instruction.
Your Representatives observed with approval the method pursued
by a large number of the jurisdictions, and which is increasing every
with reference to their representation in the Sovereign Grand
year,
Lodge, i. e., of keeping one representative in continual attendance to the 28l3
Sovereign Grand Lodge sessions and the other one being elected for
one instead of two years, and in this way the Jurisdiction receives its
full measure of benefit in every way from the deliberations of each
session and their representatives are in a better position to further the
interests and promote the desires of the Jurisdiction which they
represent, as well as to receive their share of official honor and recognition which should lead to an important office at some time in that
Sovereign Grand Body, which these Jurisdictions have experienced
cannot be secured or attained by having both their representatives
changed every year or two and in our opinion the method is a good one.
From a conversation your Representatives had with our Grand
Sire and at which time a pressing invitation on your behalf was extended him to visit our Jurisdiction and which the Grand Sire seemed
to receive with considerable favor, we had every hopes of having him
with us at this session, but up to this present writing we regret very
much he has not made up his mind to favor and honor us with his
presence, which we feel would have been appreciated beyond measure
by the Odd Fellows of our fair Province.
In closing this report your Representatives desire to express our
appreciation and thanks to the Grand Lodge for the high honor bestowed on us and our earnest hope that we have been worthy of the
honor which has been conferred, and that we have merited the confidence reposed in us.
Trusting our work and actions have been such as to lead this
grand body to feel that our endeavors have been to guard well and
promote all that has seemed for the best interests and good of the
Order in general and this Jurisdiction in particular.
We are yours fraternally,
D. E. MACKENZIE,
D. G. DAILEY,
Grand Representatives.
The Grand Secretary presented and read a Supplementary Report which was received and referred to the
Committee on Distribution.
SUPPLEMENTARY REPORT OF GRAND SECRETARY.
To the Grand Lodge of British Columbia, I. O. O. F.
NEW EITUALS.
Since my report was printed I have received a supply of the new
Rituals from the Sovereign Grand Lodge, and have distributed them 2814
to the Subordinate Lodges, the number of copies supplied having first
been ascertained from them. The Rituals have all been numbered and
1 have requested a receipt for them from the Noble Grand of each
Lodge, which will be kept on file in this office, so that if the Installing
Officer witnesses the transfer from the outgoing to the incoming Xoble
Grand each term, and obtains a receipt from the latter, as suggested
in my report, the possibility of the loss of any of these books will be
materially lessened in future.
ODD FELLOWS' HOME FUND.
I have received the following additional amounts in aid of this
Fund since my report was closed:
CALIFORNIA RELIEF FUND.
Xo. 13 (Refund California)
Interest on mortgages ..
Deborah Rebekah Lodge3
Tatnai Lodge. Xo. 9,
Wildey Lodge, No. 44,
Silver City Lodge, No. 39,
Slocan Lodge, No. 40,
Western Star Lodge, No. 10,
Miriam Rebekah Lodge, No. 2,
Eureka Lodge, No. 50,
Samaritan Encampment, Xo. 8,
Coronation Lodge, No. 48,
Selkirk Lodge, Xo. 12,
Gateway Lodge, No. 45,
Floral Rebekah Lodge. Xo. 15,
Vancouver Encampment, No. 1.
Boundary Valley Lodge, No. 38 79
Key City Lodge, No. 42, (Refund California) 13
Trout Lake Lodge, No. 41, 6
Union Lodge, Xo. 11 6
Mt. Fernie Lodge, No. 47 35
.$155
5
6
7
6
16
25
. 12
. 6
. 6
12
25
11
6
6
Tatnai Lodge, Xo. 9
Princeton Lodge, No. 52 ....
Western Star Lodge, No. 10
27
20
146
60
00
25
75
25
50
00
50
25
25
50
00
25
25
25
25
64
25
25
50
50
00
00
$642 99
I beg to append detailed statement of the manner in which the
refund from the Grand Lodge of California has been disposed of up to
date.
A number of Lodges have not yet notified me as to what they
wish done with the amounts due to them, so that I am not able to
report the closing up of this matter as I should like to have done at
this Session. Lodge
1
Amount
Donated.
25 per cen How disposed of.
1
Victoria
No. 1
$ 100 001
$ 25 00
Donated
to Home Fund, 15, 5, '08.
Columbia
No. 2
25 00'
6 25
Donated
to Home Fund, 22, 5, '08.
Royal City
Xo. 3
100 00
25 00
To be returned to G. L. of California.
Dominion
No. 4
100 00
25 00
Donated
to Home Fund, 15, 5, '08.
Black Diamond
No. 5
50 00
12 50
Harmony
No. 6
50 00
12 50
Donated
to Home Fund, 20, 5, '08.
Excelsior
No. 7
15 00
3 75
Credited
to Lodge, 4, 6, '08. .
Vancouver
Xo. 8
100 00
25 00
Donated
to Home Fund, 18, 5, '08.
Tatnai
No. 9
25 00
6 25
Donated
to Home Fund, 25, 5, '08.
Western Star
No. 10
100 00
25 00
Donated
to Home Fund, 28, 5, '08.
Union
No. 11
25 00
6 25
Donated
to Home Fund, 9, 6, '08.
Selkirk
No. 12
100 00
25 00
Donated
to Home Fund, 1, 6. '08.
Cloverdale
Xo. 15
15 00
3 75
Kootenay
No. 16
30 00
7 50
Donated
to Home Fund, 20, 5, '08.
Duncan
No. 17
60 00
15 00
Donated
to Home Fund, 18, 5, '08.
Vernon Valley
No. 18
43 40
10 85
Mt. Pleasant
No. 19
10 00
2 50
Donated
to Home Fund, 23, 5, '08.
Centennial
No. 20
50 00
12 50
Returned
to Lodge, 22, 5, '08.
Delta
No. 21
25 00
6 25
Ashcroft
Xo. 23
25 00
6 25
Pacific
No. 26
126 00
31 00
Donated
to Home Fund, 21, 5, '08.
Amity
No. 27
100 00
25 00
To be ret. to G.L. California, 24,5, '08.
Cheam
No. 28
50 00
12 50
Donated
to Home Fund, 19, 5, '08.
Rocky [Mountain
No. 34
31 00
[ 7 75
Rossland
No. 36
100 00
25 00
Donated
to Home Fund.
Boundary Valley
No. 38
25 00
6 25
Donated
to Home Fund, 22, 5, '08.
Silver City
No. 39
25 00
6 25
Donated
to Home Fund, 27, 5, '08.
Slocan
No. 40
66 00
16 50
Donated to Home Fund, 27, 5, '08.
Trout Lake
No. 41
25 00
6 25
Donated
to Home Fund, 3, 6, '08.
Key City
Xo. 42
54 55
13 64
Donated
to Home Fund, 3, 6, '08.
Enterprise
No. 43
92 00
23 00
Donated
to Home Fund, 16, 5, '08.
Wildey
No. 44
31 00
7 75
Donated
to Home Fund, 27, 5, '08.
Gateway
No. 45
45 00
11 25
Donated
to Home Fund, 1, 6, '08.
Snowshoe
No. 46
50 00
12 50
Donated
to Home Fund, 20, 5, '08.
Coronation
No. 48
50 00
12 50
Donated
to Home Fund, 1, 6, '08.
Camborne
No. 49
13 00
3 25
Eureka
No. 50
25 00
6 25
Donated
to Home Fund, 29, 5, 08.
Colfax Reb.
No. 1
25 00
6 25
Mizpah
No. 2
25 00
6 25
Donated
to Home Fund, 22, 5, '08.
Miriam
No. 3
50 00
12 50
Donated
to Home Fund, 28, 5, '08.
Beulah
No. 5
25 00
6 25
Laurel
No. 9
10 00
2 50
Deborah-
No. 13
20 00
5 00
Donated
to Home Fund, 25, 5, '08.
Floral
No. 15
rs.
25 00
6 25
Donated
to Home Fund, 1, 6, '08.
$2136 95
$ 534 24
ENCAMPMEN'
Vancouver
No. 1
$ 5 00
$ 1 25
Donated
to Home Fund, 22, 5, '08.
Nanaimo
Xo. 4
25 00
6 25
Columbia
No. 5
25 00
6 25
Donated
to Home Fund, 1, 6, '08.
Samaritan
No. 8
25 00
6 25
Donated
1
1
to Home Fund, 30, 5, 08.
$ 80 00
$ 20 00 28i6
The Committee on Distribution presented the following
report which was adopted:
To the Grand Lodge of British Columbia, I. O. O. F.
Your Committee on Distribution beg to recommend the following
allotment of the subject matter of the Grand Master's report to the
following Committees:
To the Committee on the State of the Order.—Portions of pages
1, 2 and 3, referring to State of the Order, Subordinate Lodges,
Necrology and Tributes to the Dead. Pages 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21,
22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, Part 28 and 29, referring to Official Visits, International Visit, D. D. G. M.'s, Reports of D. D. G. M.'s, New Lodges,
Recommendations.
To the Committee on Judiciary.—Portions of pages 2 and 3,
headed Appointments of D. D. G. M.'s, Installations and Proclamations, Pages 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15 relating to Decisions and Dispensations, also any decisions on questions of law contained in the
abstract of the reports of the D. D. G. M.'s.
To the Committee on Correspondence.—Portions of pages 3, 4, 5,
6, 7, 8 and 9, headed "Correspondence."
To the Committee on Rebekah Lodges.—Portions of page 2,
headed "Rebekah Branch," "New Rebekah Lodge" and "Rebekah
Assembly."
To the Committee on Odd Fellows' Home Fund.—Portion of page
28, headed "Home Fund."
Also that the Report of the Grand Secretary be referred as follows :
To the Committee on State of the Order.—Pages 30, 31 and 32,
referring to the "Condition of the Order"; pages 39 and 40, relating
to "General Relief Committees," "New Rituals."
To the Committee on Finance.—Pages 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, portion of page 40, headed "Official Certificates"; page 41, "California
Relief Fund."
To the Committee on Rebekah Lodges.—Portion pages 31 and 32,
re "Rebekah Lodges"; page 39, re "Rebekah Branch."
To the Committee on Odd Fellows' Home.—Portion of pages 40
and 41, headed "Home Fund."
We recommend that the report of the Grand Treasurer be referred
to the Committee on Finance.
GRAND SECRETARY'S SUPPLEMENTARY REPORT.
To the Committee on State of Order.—Portion re "New Rituals."
To the Committee on Odd Fellows' Home.—Portion re additional
receipts to "Home Fund."
To the Committee on Finance.—Portion re disposal of refund
from Grand Lodge of California.
Signed by the Committee. 2817
The Grand Warden retired to the anteroom and conferred
the Grand Lodge Degree on G. Jones and W. Steele, No. 6,
and H. McKenzie, No. 24.
The Special Committee appointed last Session to draft
a Constitution for the Rebekah Assembly and amendments
to the Constitutions of the Grand and Subordinate Lodges
re Assessments to be levied for the building: and mainten-
ance of an Odd Eellows' Home, submitted the following
report, which was received, and proposed Constitution,
By-laws and Rules of Order for the Rebekah Assembly
ordered to be considered seriatem.
To the Grand Lodge of British Columbia, I. O. O .F.
Your Special Committee appointed at the last Session to draft a
Constitution, etc., for the government of the Rebekah Assembly beg
to submit a draft herewith for your approval.
Your Committee was also instructed to submit necessary amendments to the Constitutions of the Grand and Subordinate Lodges empowering the Grand Lodge to assess its Subordinates and the Subordinates, to assess their members for the purpose of building and
maintaining an Odd Fellows' Home in this Jurisdiction.
We would recommend the adoption of the following amendment
to Section I., Art. VIII., of the Grand Lodge Constitution, due notice
of which has been given in order to conform to the law on this subject. Add to Sec. I., Art. VIII., the following—"and the Grand Lodge
may also levy on its Subordinate Lodges an assessment per capita on
their membership for the purpose of building, repairing and maintaining Homes for aged and indigent Odd Fellows and Widows of
deceased members of the Order, and for the care, protection and
education of Orphans of deceased Odd Fellows,"
We would also recommend that the following be added to Section
I., Art. IV., of the Constitution of Subordinate Lodges:
"Lodges may assess their members to meet any assessment levied
by the Grand Lodge for the purpose of building, repairing and maintaining Homes for aged and indigent Odd Fellows and Widows of
deceased members of the Order and for the care, protection and education of Orphans of deceased Odd Fellows; or they may pay such
assessments from the funds of the Lodge.
Fraternally submitted,
FRED DAVEY.
A. HENDERSON.
P. W. DEMPSTER. 28i8
The Constitution, By-laws and Rules of Order were then
read, considered seriatem and were adopted.*
That part of the report of the Committee relating to the
Constitution, etc., of the Rebekah Assembly was on motion
adopted.
Resolved, That the Special Committee which reported a
Draft of the Constitution be appointed as a Deputation from
this Grand Lodge to present same to the Rebekah Assembly.
It was moved bv the Grand Secretary, seconded and
carried:
That the Grand Secretary be instructed to hand over to the Secretary of the Rebekah Assembly all stock in his hands applicable to
Rebekah Lodges, together with two copies of Busbee's Digest, edition
1903, for the use of the Officers of the Assembly, and that an-order
be drawn on the Grand Treasurer in favor of the Treasurer of the
Rebekah Assembly for the sum of one hundred dollars to pay the
expenses incident to the institution of the Assembly.
Resolved, That the Grand Lodge adjourn to 1.30 p.m.
today.
The Grand Lodge adjourned accordingly.
AFTERNOON SESSION.
The Grand Lodge reconvened at 1.30 p.m., the Grand
Lodge Officers and a quorum of Representatives present.
All present were examined, reported duly qualified and the
Grand Lodge was declared open for business.
The Roll of Officers and Representatives was called.
*The Constitution, By-laws and Rules of Order as finally adopted
form an appendix to these Proceedings. 2819
Bro. J. S. Cowan, P.G.M., of the Jurisdiction of Quebec,
presented his Official Certificate, was admitted, introduced
and cordially welcomed to the Grand Lodge.
A. Henderson, P.G.M., Xo. 2, reported on behalf of the
deputation appointed to present the Constitution adopted for
the Rebekah Assembly that it had performed the duty
assigned to it and conveyed the thanks of the Assembly to
the Grand Lodge for the generous treatment accorded the
Assembly at the outset of its career.
The following communication was read and referred to
the Committee on Odd Fellows' Home:
Regina, August 5th, 1907.
Fred Davey, Grand Secretary, I. O. O. F., Victoria, B. C.
Dear Sir and Brother:—Pursuant to resolution passed by the
Grand Lodge, held in Regina May 29, 1907, I am writing you concerning the Home Fund. At this meeting one hundred dollars was
subscribed as a nucleus for the fund, and we are taking subscriptions
in all our Lodges for it. Our Grand Lodge felt a home should be
established in the West as soon as possible, and instead of the four
Western Provinces waiting to build four different institutions we
should combine our forces and establish one home for Manitoba,
Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia at some point to be
settled later. No doubt each Province has started a fund for the
purpose, and by -the combination of the forces we could get to work
at once. I was asked to lay the matter before the other Grand
Lodges, and would be glad if you will bring the matter up in the
proper way and advise me of the action taken.
Yours fraternally,
F. J. REYNOLDS,
Grand Secretary.
A communication was read from Bro. R. T. Evans,
P.G., Rossland, asking permission to issue an Odd Fellows
Directory for the Province with a short historical sketch of
the Order, as per copy enclosed. Copies to be sold to members of the Order and the proceeds over the cost of issue to
be handed over to the Rebekah Assembly. Referred to the
Committee on State of the Order. 2820
The Grand Secretary submitted the following notice of
motion which was referred to the Committee on Legislation:
To the Grand Lodge of British Columbia, I. O. O. F.
I hereby give notice that to-morrow I will move the following
amendments to the Constitution of Subordinate Lodges of this Jurisdiction :
Article II.—Add new Section 8 as follows: A member of the
Order in possession of an Official Certificate or Visiting Card changing
his residence from the Territorial Jurisdiction of his Lodge to the
Territorial Jurisdiction of another, and desiring to unite with a Lodge
at his new place of residence, upon making application for membership, accompanied by his Official Certificate or Visiting Card, showing
his dues paid in advance and being elected as provided by local law,
upon notice being sent by the Secretary to his Lodge, said Lodge
shall, unless charges are pending against him, without ballot and
without fee, issue a Transfer Certificate- and send the same, at once,
to the Secretary sending for the same; and upon receipt of the
Transfer Certificate, the member shall be entitled to sign the Constitution and become a member of his new Lodge without the payment of any admission fee; provided, that if a physician's certificate
is required he must pay the expense of the same.
The issuing of a Transfer Certificate shall sever membership in
the Lodge issuing it; provided that if the member becomes sick or
disabled, or should die within four weeks of its date and before completing his membership by signing the Constitution of his new Lodge,
then said Transfer Certificate shall be cancelled and said member shall
retain his beneficial standing in his old Lodge the same as though
no Transfer Certificate had been issued.
Provided, further, That a Brother, desiring to receive the advantage of the preceding proviso, must pay his dues four weeks in
advance of the date of his Transfer Certificate.
Article VI., Sec. II.—Strike out the words "fifty or under, also
one representative for every fifty members over the above first said
number of fifty members" in the 3rd and 4th lines, and insert the
following in lieu thereof: "One hundred or under, also one additional
representative if its membership shall amount to one hundred and
one or over."
Add after the word "year" in 5th line the following:
shall be entitled to more than two Representatives."
Xo Lodge
The Section to read when amended as follows: "Section II.—
The Lodge at the first regular meeting in May in each year, shall elect
one Representative to the Grand Lodge for its members of one hundred or under, also one additional Representative if its membership
shall amount to one hundred and one or over in good standing, as
shown by its report on the 31st day of December of the previous
year; no Lodge shall be entitled to more than two Representatives."
The remainder of the Section to read as at present. 2821
I hereby give notice that to-morrow I will move that the following
addition be made to the By-Laws of the Grand Lodge:
No. 13.—Each Ritual supplied shall bear a distinctive number, and
the Grand Secretary shall keep a register showing the numbers of
the Rituals issued to each Lodge, the date of supply and the particulars of any changes that may be made from time to time.
The District Deputy Grand Master or other Installing Officer
shall witness the transfer of the Rituals from the retiring to the incoming Noble Grand, and shall take a receipt from the Noble Grand
elect before installation, on a form to be supplied for the purpose, for
the Rituals belonging to the Lodge placed in his charge. The Installing Officer shall certify on the receipt that the transfer has been made
and forward the same to the Grand Secretary.
FRED DAVEY,
Grand Secretary.
I beg to move the following amendments to the Constitution of
Rebekah Lodges:
Article III.—Add new Section 6, as follows: A member of the
Order in possession of an Official Certificate or Visiting Card changing
his residence from the Territorial Jurisdiction of his Lodge to the
Territorial Jurisdiction of another, and desiring to unite with a
Lodge at his new place of residence, upon making application for
membership, accompanied by his Official Certificate or Visiting Card,
showing his due paid in advance and being elected as provided by
local law, upon notice being sent by the Secretary to his Lodge, said
Lodge shall, unless charges are pending against him, without ballot
and without fee, issue a Transfer Certificate and send the same, at
once, to the Secretary sending for the same; and upon receipt of the
Transfer Certificate, the member shall be entitled to sign the Constitution and become a member of his new Lodge without the payment of any admission fee; provided, that if a physician's certificate
is required he must pay the expense of the same.
Article IV., Sec. I., Clause 6.—Strike out the words "Grand
Lodge" in last line and insert "Rebekah Assembly" in lieu.
Article IV., Sec. 4.—Line 16, before the words "Grand Lodge"
insert the words "District Deputy President, and from that Officer to
the President of the Assembly and therefrom to the Rebekah Assembly and therefrom to the."
Article IV.—Add new Section 9: Any member suspended from
membership for non-payment of dues may be reinstated in the Lodge
from which he or she was suspended by paying the amount of one
year's dues or the fee for an initiate, as prescribed by the By-laws of
the Lodge; which ever the By-Laws of the Lodge may provide.
Applications for reinstatement must be in writing, and shall be dealt
with in the same manner as that prescribed for applications for initiation.
Article IV.—Alter present Sec. 9 to Sec. 10. Strike out all the
words in the last two lines and insert in lieu the words "the Officer or
body to which the appeal is taken." 2822
Article V., Sec. 7.—Strike out words "Grand Officer" in
and insert the word "President."
last line
Article V.—Add new Sec. 12. Each Rebekah Lodge in good
standing shall be entitled to one Representative to the Rebekah
Assembly for its membership of fifty or under and one additional
Representative if its membership shall exceed fifty in good standing,
according to its report on the 31st December preceding the date of
election. Representatives must be Past Noble Grands in good standing in a Rebekah Lodge. The election must take place at the first
regular meeting of the Lodge in May and shall be conducted in the
same manner as the election of officers. A new Lodge having no
Past Noble Grand may elect a qualified member from a Sister Lodge.
If a vacancy shall occur in the position of Representative to the
Assembly from any cause, the Lodge may rill the same by election,
or if the vacancy shall occur after the last meeting of the Lodge prior
to the opening of the Assembly, the Noble Grand may appoint a
qualified member to fill the vacancy. No member of a Rebekah Lodge
which has not paid the per capital tax or forwarded to the Secretary
of the Assembly the report of the Lodge for the preceding term, or
has from any cause been deprived of its good standing as a Rebekah
Lodge, shall be admitted or recognized as a member of the Assembly
while such disability or default of said Lodge shall continue.
Article VIIL, Sec. I.—Strike out the words"Grand Lodge" and
insert "Rebekah Assambly." Add to the end of the section the words
"with the per capita tax due to the Rebekah Assembly."
Article IX., Sec. 1.—After the word "Lodge" in fifth line add
the words "or Rebekah Assembly."
Article IX., Sec. 2.—Strike out the words "Grand Lodge" in
third line and substitute the words "Rebekah Assembly." Strike out
the words "Grand Secretary" in fifth line and insert in lieu the words
"Secretary of the Rebekah Assembly." Strike out the words "Grand
Secretary's office" in seventh line and insert the words "office of the
Secretary of the Rebekah Assembly."
Article X.—Strike out the words "Grand Lodge" in second line
and insert in lieu the words "Rebekah Assembly." Add to the end of
the article the words "provided, that such enactment shall not take
effect until approved by the Grand Lodge of British Columbia."
FRED DAVEY,
Grand Secretary.
On motion the Grand Lodge adjourned to 5 o'clock p.m.
The Grand Lodge re-assembled at 5 o'clock p.m., pursuant to adjournment, the Grand Lodge Officers and a quorum
of Representatives present. 4 All present were examined, reported duly qualified, and
the Grand Lodge was declared open for business.
The Finance Committee submitted the following report,
which was adopted:
To the Grand Lodge of British Columbia, I. O. O. F.
We, your Finance Committee, beg leave to report that we have
carefully examined the books, vouchers and reports of the Grand
Secretary, also we have carefully compared the reports and vouchers
of your Grand Treasurer, and take great pleasure in reporting that
we find them correct and in perfect condition. We wish to further
add that this Grand Lodge is to be congratulated on having such a
painstaking, accurate, and faithful officer as Bro. Davey, P. G., as their
Grand Secretary.
Signed by the Committee.
The Committee on Laws of Subordinates presented the
following report, which was adopted:
To the Grand Lodge of British Columbia, I. O. O. F.
Your Committee on Laws of Subordinates beg to report that we
have examined the By-Laws and amendments submitted to us by the
following Lodges since the last meeting of the Grand Lodge, with the
result noted against each:
Princeton Lodge, No. 52.—New By-Laws. Approved with slight
amendments.
Union Lodge, No. 11.—Approved the following amendments respecting—Hour of meeting, Amount to be held by Treasurer, Striking
out provision for conferring degrees without charge, Refund of Medical examination fee to rejected candidates, Reduction of benefits after
twelve months' sickness, Fining members for non-attendance, Instituting form of claim for benefits and medical certificate.
Snowshoe Lodge, No. 46.—Approved the following amendments re
Reduction of admission fees, Funeral donations, Remuneration of Secretary, Fees for Visiting and Withdrawal Cards.
Delta Lodge, No. 21.—Approved new Code of By-Laws with a few
minor amendments.
Pacific Lodge, Xo. 26.—Provision for admission of non-beneficial members.
Approved new code of By-laws with small amendments of the
following Rebekah Lodges: Greenwood, No. 18; Maple Leaf, No. 19;
Esther, No. 20, and Naomi, No. 21. 2824
Also amendments to the By-Laws of the following Rebekah
Lodges, viz.,
Deborah, No. 13.—Article IV., Sec. 3, Reinstatement of members.
Queen City, No. 16.—Instituting General and Contingent Funds.
Greenwood, No. 18.—Fees for admission and Cards.
Signed by the Committee.
The Committee on Petitions submitted the following
report, which was adopted:
To the Grand Lodge of British Columbia, I. O. O. F.
Your Committee on Petitions beg to report that we have examined
the petitions for Subordinate and Rebekah Lodges referred to us, and
find that the requirements of the law has been complied with in each
case; we therefore recommend that charters be issued as follows:
To Maple Leaf Lodge, No. 53, located at Hosmer, B. C, with the
following charter members: J. W. Williamson, A. Mathieson, S.
Slinn, C. Heltz, F. W. Cole, P. G., and Gordon Cole.
To Michel Lodge, No. 54, located at Michel, B. C, with the following charter members: G. H. McKay, C. A. MacNamara, A. Campbell, G. B. Steadman, G. Luck, W. P. Rogers and K Campbell.
To Naomi Rebekah Lodge, No. 21, located at Revelstoke, B. C,
with the following charter members: Sisters Jean D. Palmer, Lydia
McLauchlin, Annie L. Armstrong, Mary E. Smith and Brothers
John Palmer, W. E. McLauchlin, C. D. Palmer and Joseph Callin.
Signed by the Committee.
The Committee on Correspondence presented the following report, which was adopted:
To the Grand Lodge of British Columbia, I. O. O. F.
Your Committee on Correspondence beg leave to report that we
have performed the duty assigned us, and have duly inspected the
part of the Grand Master's report referred to us, and after careful
inspection of the correspondence we would respectfully suggest that
it be approved.
Signed by the Committee.
The following notice to amend the Constitution of the
Granl Lodge was read, and it was on motion, Resolved, That
the consideration of the amendment be made the first order
of business after the selection of the place of meeting of the
Grand Lodge next vear, at 10 o'clock tomorrow morning. 2825
To the Grand Secretary, Grand Lodge of British Columbia, I. O. 0. F.
We, the undersigned representatives to the Grand Lodge of British
Columbia, I. O. O. F., hereby give notice that we will move the following amendment to the Constitution of the Grand Lodge at its
next annual meeting in June next:
"Add the following to Section 1 of Article VIIL, "and the
Grand Lodge may also levy on its Subordinate Lodges an assessment per capita on their membership for the purpose of building,
repairing and maintaining homes for aged and indigent Odd Fellows
and Widows of deceased members of the Order, and for the care,
protection and education of Orphans of deceased Odd Fellows."
The section to read when amended as follows: Section 1.—"The
revenue of this Grand Lodge shall be raised for the purpose of defraying the necessary expenses thereof, and the Grand Lodge may also
levy on its Subordinate Lodges an assessment per capita on their
membership for the purpose of building, repairing and maintaining
homes for aged and indigent Odd Fellows and Widows of deceased
members of the Order, and for the care, protection and education of
Orphans of deceased Odd Fellows."
T. M. BRAYSHAW, No. 1.
P. W. DEMPSTER, No. 2.
JAMES BELL, No. 4.
The Grand Warden retired to the anteroom and conferred
the Grand Lodge Degree on Bro. W. T. McMullen, No. 10.
The following report was read from the Special Committee on Statistics re Dues and Benefits, which was adopted:
To the Grand Lodge of British Columbia, I. O. O. F.
Your Committe on Statistics re Dues and Benefits beg to present
you herewith abstracts of the reports of the Subordinate Lodges of
this Jurisdiction bearing on this important matter.
The averages shown therein give a slight increase over last year
under the heads of cost per member for current expenses, and also
in the cost per member for all Lodge expenditures, but on the other
hand there is a reduction under the heads of average sickness per
member and cost per member for total relief.
Signed by the Committee. 2826 2827 2828
Bro. G. R. Xorthey, Grand Marshal, Xo. -19, submitted
the following, which was referred to the Committee on State
of the Order:
To the Grand Lodge of British Columbia.
Believing that it would be in the best interests of Odd Fellowship
in this Province, the undersigned begs to move that a lecturer be
appointed to visit the different Lodges in this Province to instruct the
members in the work of the Order, arrange for institution of Lodges
at points where opportunity presents, and also work in the interest
of the Odd Fellows' Home.
Bro. J. Bell, Xo. 4, submitted the following questions,
which were referred to the Committee on Judiciary:
To the Grand Lodge of British Columbia.
Statement of case.—At the regular meeting of a Lodge of the I. O.
O. F. on the date of election for Representatives to this Grand
Lodge, the folowing action was taken; one ballot was cast; no member received the majority of the votes cast.
The Noble Grand decided that the (two) Past Grands receiving
the highest number of votes were the duly accredited Representatives
to this Grand Lodge.
Question No. 1.—Was the decision of the Noble Grand correct?
Question No. 2.—If the decision of this Grand Body is against the
ruling of the Noble Grand, are the Representatives so declared elected
eligible to sit and legislate in this Grand Body?
The following report was read from the Committee on
State of the Order, which was adopted:
To the Grand Lodge of British Columbia, I. O. O. F.
We, the Committee on State of Order, to whom was referred
the proposition of Bro. Past Grand R. T. Evans, of Rossland Lodge,
No. 36, to publish a directory of the Order in the Province with a
history of the same, would suggest that permission be given the
Brother to issue his publication, the Grand Lodge assuming no
responsibility. Your committee have passed no opinion on the merits
of the publication.
Signed by the Committee.
Representative C. S. Keith, Xo. 3, submitted the following which was adopted:
Whereas, on the death of a Brother it is often the case that a
number of persons dependent on his exertion for their support are left
in trying financial circumstances. 2829
And whereas, it is advisable to relieve if possible this distress,
therefore be it resolved that a special committee be appointed to look
into and report on the advisability of forming a Funeral Aid Association in this Province.
The Grand Master appointed AY. H. Walsh, Xo. 26, M.
J. Phillips, Xo. 3, and T. Johnson, Xo. 46, to form this
Committee.
Representative M. J. Phillips, Xo. 3, submitted the following, which was adopted:
Whereas, there are a large number of widows and orphans of
deceased Odd Fellows in this Province more or less dependent upon
the charity of the Order, and whereas there does not seem to be any
sufficient or sustained system of dealing with these partakers of the
benefits of our Order.
Therefore, be it resolved that a special committee of five be
appointed to devise some scheme whereby these widows and orphans
can be properly cared for by the Order in this Province, and that
such committee report to this Grand Lodge.
The Grand Master appointed M. J. Phillips, Xo. 3, X.
R. Brown, Xo. 27, W. H. Thorpe, Xo. 20, J. Moffet, Xo. 18,
and AY. Steele, Xo. 6, to form this Committee.
The Special Committee on Odd Fellows7 Home, appointed last Session, presented the following report, which
was read and ordered to taken into consideration after the
proposed amendment to the Grand Lodge Constitution tomorrow morning;:
To the Grand Lodge of British Columbia, I. O. O. F.
Your special committee on Odd Fellows' Home appointed at the
last Session of the Grand Lodge beg to report their great satisfaction
and genuine gratitude to the membership throughout the Jurisdiction
for their prompt and generous response to the appeal made for contributions to this fund. The liberality characterising this response
should be a splendid incentive to this and succeeding Grand Bodies
to continue to lend their cheerful and valuable assistance to the end
that a permanent fund may be raised for the erection and maintenance of this conspicuous product of practical Odd Fellowship.
Appended will be found a list of the contributions from the individual Lodges. The total amount now (June 1st) at the credit of this
fund is $7,066.32, of this $3,000 is invested in 8 per cent. 1st mortgage;
$2,500 in 7 per cent. 1st mortgage, each with ample security, the balance being on deposit in the Dominion Government Savings Bank. 2830
While this increase for the year gives much reason for congratulation, your committee would urge, as an earnest of the future, that
no abatement in the effort to increase this fund be made, and to this
end would recommend that an assessment of 25 cents per member per
annum be made in the form of an equivalent increase over the present
per capita tax; and that this be continued until the fund shall have
reached a minimum of $10,000; when it is hoped that by means of
wise and safe investment, as much, if not more, will be realised as
by the present method.
Having in mind the difficulties attendant upon the negotiating
and proper supervision of the loans from this fund during past years,
owing partly to the yearly change in the Executive Officers of the
Grand Lodge, and largely to their widely scattered places of abode;
your committee anticipating your favorable consideration of the foregoing recommendation, would strongly urge, as being in the best
interests of this fund, the appointment of a permanent committee,
conveniently situated, with power to appoint from within themselves
a Board of Trustees, who shall be empowered, under the direction of
the whole committee, to invest the funds in first mortgages on real
estate security, in the corporate name of the Grand Lodge of British
Columbia, and that it shall be the duty of the said committee to report
at each succeeding meeting of the Grand Lodge.
In conclusion we wish to place on record our deep appreciation of
assistance rendered us by the District Deputy Grand Masters, and
especially to our Grand Secretary, Bro. Davey, who, with his usual
courtesy, has at all times rendered much valuable assistance and advice.
Signed by the Committee.
SUBSCRIPTIONS TO HOME FUND 1907-1908.
(To 28th May, 1908.)
Victoria Lodge, No. 1 (California) $
Royal City, No. 3
Dominion, No. 4 (California) ,
Harmony, No. 6
Excelsior, No. 7
Vancouver, No. 8
Vancouver (California)
Union, No. 11
Selkirk, No. 12
Kootenay, No. 16
Duncan, No. 17
Duncan (California)
Ashcroft, No. 23
Island, No. 24
Pacific, No. 26 1
Amity, No. 27
Cheam, No. 28
Cheam (California)
Rocky Mountain, No. 34
Rossland, No. 36
25 00
42
70
25
00
49
00
25
00
71
00
25
00
31
50
75
00
50
00
48
00
15
00
75
00
28
00
36
70
41
20
50 00
12
50
21
00
75
00 283l
Rossland (California) • 25 00
Slocan, No. 40 40 00
Trout Lake, No. 41 ' 10 00
Key City, No. 42 23 00
Enterprise, No. 43 27 00
Enterprise (California) 23 00
Gateway, No. 45 25 00
Snowshoe, No. 46 26 00
Vancouver Lodges 68 55
Mizpah Rebecca Lodge, No. 2 25 00
Beulah " 1 No. 5 58 95
Deborah " " No. 13 34 00
Floral " I No. 15 23 00
Queen City " " No. 16 50 00
Greenwood No. 18 12 25
Esther " " No. 20 81 00
Quo Vadis Sanctorum, No. 54, Rossland 5 00
$1,478 35
Report read from the Committee on' State of the Order
which was adopted:
To the Garnd Lodge of British Columbia, I. O. O. F.
Your Committee on State of the Order, to whom was referred the
matter of appointing a lecturer to instruct members and arrange for
the institution of new Lodges, are of the opinion that such action
would not tend to serve the best interests of the Order, and would
have the effect of lowering the standard of the same.
Signed by the Committee.
The Grand Lodge on motion adjourned to 7.30 p.m.
EVENING SESSION.
The Grand Lodge reassembled at 7.30 p.m., the Grand
Lodge Officers and a quorum of Representatives present.
All present having been examined the Grand Lodge was
declared open for business.
The Roll of Officers and Representatives was called.
A communication was read from Dr. Fagan, Provincial
Health Officer, asking permission to address the Grand Lodge 2832
on the Sanitarium for Consumptives at Kamloops. It was
on motion, Resolved, That the Grand Lodge would be pleased
to hear Dr. Fagan at 11 o'clock tomorrow morning.
Report read from the Committee on Odd Fellows' Home
appointed this Session, which was, on motion, ordered to be
laid on the table and taken into consideration tomorrow
morning with the report of last year's committee:
To the Grand Lodge of British Columbia, I. O. O. F.
You Committee on Odd Fellows' Home Fund beg to report that it
is gratifying to note that the contributions to this fund during the
past year have been greater than any year since the establishment of
the fund. We would recommend that the Grand Masters' recommendation be adopted : that the contributions to this fund should be
raised by a special assessment or per capita tax of, say, 25 cents per
member per annum, then the burden would fall on all alike and not on
the willing few.
We would recommend that a special committee be appointed to
look up suitable locations for an Odd Fellows' Home in British
Columbia, and report at next session of Grand Lodge.
We would further recommend that a committee be appointed to
communicate with the Home Fund Committees of Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba, and act in conjunction with them, as they
suggest, and report at next session of Grand Lodge.
We would recommend as being in the best interests of this fund
the appointment of a permanent committee, conveniently situated,
with power to appoint from within themselves a board of trustees,
who shall be empowered under the direction of the whole committee
to invest the funds in first mortgages on real estate security, and
that it shall be the duty of the said committee to report to the Grand
Secretary not later than April 30th of each year.
While we recommend the preceding we would not place any
obstacle in the way of individual members or Lodges contributing
more than their assessment to this fund.
Signed by the Committee.
The Special Committee on Funeral Aid Association presented the following report which was adopted:
To the Grand Lodge of British Columbia, I. O. O. F.
We, your Special Committee on Funeral Aid Association, beg
to recommend the appointment of a special committee to look into the
matter and report at the next session of the Grand Lodge, as we have
not sufficient information to pass an intelligent opinion at this time.
Signed by the Committee. 2833
The Committee on Printing submitted the following
report, which was adopted:
To the Grand Lodge of British Columbia, I. O. O. F.
Your Committee on Printing beg to report that tenders were
invited for printing the proceedings of this session. Two tenders only
were received, and the contract awarded to Bro. T. R. Cusack at
$1.60 per page, which is 40 cents per page less than last year.
Your committee would recommend that the practice of preceding
years be followed, and that semi-tone portraits of the retiring Grand
Master and two Senior Past Grand Masters be inserted in the printed
proceedings of this session.
Signed by the Committee.
It was moved, seconded and carried, That no new business
be received after 10 o'clock tomorrow morning, except by
unanimous consent.
Resolved, That the installation of Officers tomorrow
evening be conducted in the Third Degree.
The Grand Warden retired to the anteroom and conferred
the Grand Lodge Degree on the following Past Grands: A.
E. Mann, S. H. Thomson and C. AY. Miller, Xo. 3; T. C.
Kilbank, Xo. 10 ; E. C. Barclay and R. W. Godfrey, Xo. 26 ;
G. G. Davey, S. J. May, F. A. Jones and E. Walmsley,
Xo. 27.
Bro. G. A. Ellsperman, P.G.M., P.G.R., of the Jurisdiction of AATashington, addressed the Grand Lodge, and con-
veved a message from P. G. M. Bell of the Grand Lodge of
California to the effect that that Grand Body does not wish
a return of any of the surplus funds contributed for the
relief of the sufferers in that Jurisdiction from the earthquake in April, 1906, and which have been refunded to the
several jurisdictions, as the Grand Lodge of California does
not need it.
The next order of business being the election of Officers
for the ensuing year, nominations were invited and the following were offered: 2834
For Grand Master—H. T. Fulton, Xo. 6, was nominated
by A. Forrester, Xo. 5.
For Deputy Grand Master—W. Law, Xo. 10, was nominated by W. H. AValsh, Xo. 26.
For Grand AYarden—E. L. Webber, Xo. 27, was nominated by H. Fooks, Xo. 28.
For Grand Secretary—F. Davey, Xo. 1, was nominated
by J. York, Xo. 1.
For Grand Treasurer—P. W. Dempster, Xo. 2, was
nominated by D. G. Dailey, G.R., Xo. 5. W. H. Cullin,
Xo. 4, was nominated by J. York, Xo. 1. G. R. Xorthey,
Xo. 49, was nominated by D. E. Mackenzie, P.G.M., Xo. 3.
W. A. Johnstone, Xo. 26, was nominated by W. S. McDonald, Xo. 42. H. Fooks, Xo. 28, was nominated by H.
Yance, Xo. 28.
For Grand Representative—C. S. Keith, Xo. 3, was
nominated by J. A. McKay, Xo. 8. T. Embleton, Xo. 36,
was nominated by R. Dudlev, Xo. 47.
The Grand Master appointed T. F. Xeelands, P.G.M.,
Xo. 8, and A. Henderson, P.G.M., Xo. 2, to act as Tellers.
There being but one nominee for the office of Grand
Master, the Grand Secretary, by direction of the Grand
Lodge, cast the ballot for the election of H. T. Fulton, Xo. 6,
and he was declared duly elected.
Wallace Law, Xo. 10, being the only nominee for the
Office of Deputy Grand Master, the Grand Secretary, by
order of the Grand Lodge, cast the ballot for his election,
which was done, and he was declared duly elected.
E. L. Webber, Xo. 27, being the only nominee for the
office of Grand Warden, was declared duly elected, the Grand
Secretary, by order, casting the ballot for his election. 2835
Fred. Davey, Xo. 1, being the only nominee for the
office of Grand Secretary, was declared duly elected, T. F.
Xeelands, P.G.M., Xo. 8, by order of the Grand Lodge,
casting the ballot for his election.
The ballot was spread for the election of Grand Treasurer
the following result announced:
Xumber of votes cast, 109.
P. W. Dempster, Xo. 2, received 13 votes; W. H. Cullin,
Xo. 4, received 27 votes; G. R. Xorthey, Xo. 49, received
37 votes; AA7. A. Johnstone, Xo. 26, received 20 votes, and
H. Fooks, Xo. 28, received 12 votes.
Xeither candidate receiving a majority of the votes cast,
a fresh ballot was spread, the names of Bros. Dempster and
Fooks being dropped, with the following result:
Xumber of votes cast, 109.
W. H. Cullin, Xo. 4, received 41 votes; G. R. Xorthey,
Xo. 48, received 44 votes, and W. A. Johnstone, Xo. 26,
received 23 votes. Spoiled ballot, 1.
There still being no choice a fresh ballot was spread,
the name of Bro. Johnstone being dropped, and the following
result announced:
Xumber of votes cast, 109.
W. H. Cullin, Xo. 4, received 62 votes; G. R. Xorthey,
Xo. 49, received 47 votes. W. H. Cullin, Xo. 4, having
received a majority of all the votes cast, was declared duly
elected as Treasurer for the ensuing year.
The ballot was spread for the office of Grand Representative, and the following result announced: Xo. of votes
cast, 110. C. S. Keith, Xo. 3, received 54 votes; T. Embleton, Xo. 36, received 55 votes. Spoiled ballot, 1. 2836
Xeither of the candidates receiving a majority of the
votes cast, a fresh ballot was spread with the following result: Xumber of votes cast, 107. C. S. Keith, Xo. 3, received 57 votes; T. Embleton, Xo. 36, received 50 votes.
C. S. Keith, Xo. 3, having received a majority of the
votes cast, was declared duly elected as Grand Representative
for two years.
On motion the Grand Lodge adjourned to 9 o'clock a.m.
tomorrow.
SECOND DAY.
The Grand Lodge re-assembled at 9 o'clock a.m., pursuant
to adjournment, the Grand Lodge Officers and a quorum of
Representatives present.
The Grand Marshal examined all present and reported
them duly qualified and the Grand Lodge was declared open
for business.
The Roll of Officers and Representatives was called.
The minutes of yesterday's Session were read- and on
«/ «/
motion adopted.
A letter was read from Bro. F. C. Tingley of Ashcroft
Lodge, Xo. 23, claiming benefits from that Lodge from
1st January to 25th February, 1908, which had been refused
t/ e/ y /
on the ground that he was not in benefit when taken sick, and
complaining that he had not been notified of his indebtedness
for dues by the Secretary of the Lodge. On motion, this
«/ ft/ O /
communication was referred to the Committee on Appeals
and Grievances.
A communication was read from the Grand Master and
Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Washington request- 2837
ing that the Grand Lodge Degree be conferred on Bro. S.
R. Thorp, P.G., a member of Blaine Lodge, Xo. 80, Blaine,
Washington. The Grand AVarden was directed to confer the
degree on the brother in the anteroom, which was done, and
he was then admitted and welcomed to the Grand Lodge.
The Committee on Laws of Subordinates submitted the
following report, which was adopted:
To the Grand Lodge of British Columbia, I. O. O. F.
Your Committee on Laws of Subordinates beg to report that we
approve the following amendments to the By-Laws of Centennial
Lodge, No. 20:
Article V. Duties of Secretary, Notification of Brothers who will
be in arrears prior to end of quarter.
Article VII. Bond of Treasurer in Guarantee Co., Increasing
amount to be held by this officer to one hundred dollars.
Article X. Duties of O. G. Striking out provision for keeping
attendance register.
Article XVII. Dues, Striking out provision that where no
funeral expenses are incurred no assessment shall be levied.
Article XIX. Membership. Striking out provision for initiating
a candidate on night of election by a two-thirds vote of those present.
Article XXI. Sec. 5. Striking out provision for notification by
Secretary when Brother is out of benefit.
Article XXI. Sec. 7. Striking out provision that where no
funeral expenses are incurred no appropriation shall be made.
Article XXII. Cards. Altering price of Withdrawal Card from
$2.50 to 25 cents.
Article XXIV. Sec. 2, Contingent Fund. Making contribution
to this fund optional instead of obligatory.
Article XXV. Sec. 1. Adding other Elective Officers to N. G
in making preparation for a member's funeral. Striking out Sec. 2
and 3, fining members for non-attendance at Lodge meetings, and for
keeping an attendance register.
Signed by the Committee.
The Committee on Finance presented the following report, which was adopted: 2838
To the Grand Lodge of British Columbia, I. O. O. F.
Your Finance Committee recommend that the Grand Lodge pay
the expenses, amounting to about $60, being cost of obtaining and
distribution of new Rituals to Subordinate Lodges.
Signed by the Committee.
The following report was read from the Committee on
Finance, which was adopted:
To the Grand Lodge of British Columbia, I. O. O. F.
We, your Committee on Finance, have examined the books and
vouchers of the Grand Treasurer and find same correct.
We urgently recommend that all moneys from whatever source
be sent direct to the Grand Secretary.
Also that all books and accounts of this Grand Lodge be closed
and balanced on the 30th day of April, and that hereafter the fiscal
year of this Grand Body shall begin on 1st day of May.
We also recommend that all books and accounts of this Grand
Body be audited before the meeting of the Grand Lodge each and
every year by the Finance Committee.
Signed by the Committee.
The Committee on Legislation presented the following
report, which was adopted:
To the Grand Lodge of British Columbia, I. O. O. F.
Your Committee on Legislation, to whom was referred the notices
given by the Grand Secretary to amend Article II. of the Subordinate
Lodge Constitution, re transfer of membership by Card to conform to
Sovereign Grand Lodge legislation.
Also Article VI., Sec. 11., Subordinate Lodge Constitution relating
to Grand Lodge representation.
Also to add to the Grand Lodge By-Laws a new section, 13, relating to Rituals supplied to Subordinate Lodges.
Also the notices re the amendment to the Rebekah Lodge Constitution, namely, Article III., add new section, No. 6, re transfer of
membership by Card to conform to Sovereign Grand Lodge legislation.
Also Article IV., Sec. 1, Clause 6, by striking out "Grand Lodge"
and inserting: "Rebekah Assembly" in lieu.
Also Article IV., Sec. 4, re appeals.
Also Article IV.„ by adding a new section, 9,
of suspended members.
Also Article IV., Sec. 9, to be altered to Sec. 10,
re reinstatement
and altering tw
ro
last lines as to destination of papers connected with appeals. 2839
Also Article V., Sec. 7, altering "Grand Officer" to "President."
Also Article V., add new Sec. 12, re the Rebekah Assembly representatives and election thereto, also election to fill vacancy.
Also Article VIII., Sec. 1, Article IX., Sees. 1 and 2, by striking
out "Grand Lodge" and substituting "Rebekah Assembly."
Also in Article X., alter as above, and addition to same section.
Beg leave to report that we recommend the adoption of the
proposed amendments. All of which is fraternally submitted.
Signed by the Committee.
The Committee on Rebekah Lodges submitted the following report, which was adopted:
To the Grand Lodge of British Columbia, I. O. O. F.
We, your Committee on Rebekah Lodges, beg to submit the following report:
During the year 1907 four Rebekah Lodges were added to the
previous list of 10, making 14 Lodges in all, and the membership
showed a net increase of 315 members, a total of 1,150.
We are pleased to note that preparations were completed for the
institution of a Rebekah Assembly in this Province, and that it has
been duly instituted on June 9th at this session of the Grand Lodge.
We notice the total receipts for the year show an increase of over
85 per cent.
From the foregoing it is evident that the Rebekah Lodges are in
a most flourishing condition, and we trust that the existence of this
branch will materially advance the welfare of our Order.
We consider that this Grand Lodge is deeply indebted to Mizpah
Lodge, Xo. 2, for their excellent exemplification of the Rebekah
Degree, and we recommend that the thanks of the Grand Lodge be
extended to the members of Mizpah Lodge.
Respectfully submitted.
Signed by the Committee.
Bro. J. R. Clark, P.G., of Medicine Hat, Alberta, was
introduced by T. F. Xeelands, P.G.M., Xo. 8, and A. Henderson, P.G.M., Xo. 2, and cordially welcomed to the Grand
Lodge.
The representatives of the Subordinate Lodges in Vancouver submitted the following invitation, which was, on
motion, accepted: 2840
To the Grand Lodge of British Columbia, I. O. O. F.
We, the undersigned Representatives of our respective Lodges,
viz., Vancouver Lodge, No. 8; Western Star Lodge, No. 10; Mount
Pleasant Lodge, No. 19; Pacific Lodge, No. 26, located in the city of
Vancouver, do hereby extend to this Grand Lodge a most cordial
invitation to hold its thirty-fifth annual session in June, 1909, in our
city of Vancouver.
WALLACE LAW, No. 10.
T. F. NEELANDS, No. 8.
JAS. A. McKAY, No. 8.
N. JENSEN, No. 8.
A. CLELAND, No. 10.
E. V. BATSTONE, Xo. 10.
F. TRIMBLE, Xo. 19.
W. H. WALSH, Xo. 26.
W. A. JOHNSTONE, No. 26.
The Committee on Mileage and Per Diem submitted the
o
following report, which was adopted:
To the Grand Lodge of British Columbia, I. O. O. F.
Your Committee on Mileage and Per Diem beg to report that we
have examined the Certificates of the Officers and Representatives in
attendance at this session and find them entitled to the sums stated
against their respective names: 2841
NAMES.
Location.
OFFICERS.
T. Embleton, G.M
H. Fulton, D.G.M
W. Law, G.W
F. Davey, G. Sec'y ....
E. L. Webber, G.T. ...
D. E. Mackenzie, G. Rep
D. G. Dailey, G. Rep....
REPRESENTATIVES.
J. York
P. A. McLean
P. W. Dempster
D. Dewar
C. S. Keith
M. J. Phillips
W. H. Cullin
R. Drake
A. Forrester .........
T. Dixon
W. Steele
S. Jones
F. Xelmes
J. A. McKay
W. R. Jamieson
C. I. Chapman
J. R. McNab
A Cleland
E. V. Batstone
W. Walker
R. McDonald
G-. E. Trimble
A Matheson
t). H. Proudfoot
F. J. Squire
R.. Evans
J". F. Moffatt
F. Trimble
H. McKenzie
|/V. J. Ferguson
j. T. Baker
I C. Smith
i. McKenzie
N. H. Walsh
iV. A. Johnstone
N. C. Coatham
tf. R. Brown
. Tyrer
<u
36 j Rossland
Ladysmith
Vancouver
Victoria
New Westminster
New Westminster
Nanaimo
Victoria
Victoria
Victoria
Victoria
New Westminster
New Westminster
Victoria
Victoria
Nanaimo
Nanaimo
Ladysmith
Ladysmith
Chilliwack
Vancouver
Vancouver
Kamloops
Kamloops
Vancouver
Vancouver
L Cumberland
Revelstoke
Revelstoke
Cloverdale
Nelson
Nelson
Duncan
Vernon
Mt. Pleasant ....
Nanaimo
Nanaimo
Ladner
Ashcroft
Eburne
Vancouver
Vancouver
New Westminster
New Westminster
Agassiz
2
$
4 00
4 00
4 00
4 00
4 00
4 00
4 00
4 00
4 00
4 00
4 00
4 00
4 00
4 00
4 00
4 00
4 00
4 00
4 00
4 00
4 00
4 00
4 00
4 00
4 00
4 00
4 00
4 00
4 00
4 00
4 00
4 00
4 00
4 00
4 00
4 00
4 00
4 00
4 00
4 00
48
61
55 60
6 20
1 20
9 60
4 80
9 60
9 60
9 60
9 60
9 60
9 60
4 80
4 80
6 20
6 20
5 90
1 20
1 20
24 10
24 10
1 20
1 20
12 80
37 00
37 00
1 60
55 30
55 30
8 10
37 10
1 20
4 80
4 80
1 20
19 20
1 80
1 20
1 20
6 10
59 60
10 20
5 20
13 60
4 00
4 00
8 80 2842
NAMES.
1
<u
be
O
M-l
j
Location.
U3
>t
£ B
Q g
>
Mileage.
u
0
0
O
<L>
0)
1
O
f ,
C. A. Warren
34
Golden
2
4 00 466
46 60
50 60
S. Patterson
36
Rossland
2
4 00
556
55 60
59 60
J. A. McLeod
36
Rossland
2
4 00
556
55 60
59 60
G. B. Taylor
38
Greenwood
2
4 00
613
61 30
65 30
W. Elson
38
39
Greenwood
Sandon
2
2j
4 00
4 00
613
475
61 30
47 50
65 30
D. Anderson
51 50
R E. Allen
40
41
Slocan ,..
2
2
4 00
4 00
488
398
48 80
39 80
52 80
F. Mummery
Trout Lake
43 80
W. S. McDonald
42
Cranbrook
2
4 00
689
68 90
72 90
F. P. Day
43
Trail
2
4 00
548
54 80
58 80
A. Donaldson
43
Trail
2
4 00
548
54 80
58 80
F. J. Smyth
44
Moyie
2
4 00
669
66 90
70 90
G. H. Rutherford
45
Grand Forks. ...
2
4 00;
591
59 10
63 10
J. F. McDougall
46
Phoenix
2
4 00
616
61 60
65 60
T. Johnson
46
Phoenix
2
4 00
616
61 60
65 60
R Dudley
47
47
48
Fernie
2
2
2
4 00
4 00
4 00
751
751
357
75 10
75 10
35 70
79 10
T. Bell ...
Fernie
79 10
W. J. Smith
Armstrong
39 70
J. A. .McDowell
49
Camborne
2
4 00
398
39 80
43 80
W. A. Mack
50
Enderby
2
4 00
348
34 80
38 80
P. Y. Smith
52
Princeton
2
4 00
288
28 80
1
32 80
$ 264 00
$1635 10
$1899 10
ADDITIONAL ALLOWANCE
. ■. ■ ■
W. Walker
11
41
49
52
Cumberland ....
Trout Lake
2
4 00
4 00
F. Mummery
6 00
4 00
6 80
6 00
J. A. McDowell
Camborne
4 00
P. Y. Smith
Princeton
2
4 00
10 80
$ 272 00
$1651 901
$1923 90
Your Committee would recommend additional sums, as follows:
To W. Walker, No. 11, two days extra, on account of unavoidable delay in making connections $ 4 00
To F. Mummery, No. 41, actual cost of transportation from
Trout Lake City to Arrowhead 6 00
To J. A. McDowell, No. 49, actual cost of transportation from
Camborne to Arrowhead 4 00
To P. Y. Smith. No. 52, actual cost of transportation from
Princeton to Nicola, $6.80; also two days extra on account
of unavoidable delav in making connections, $4.00, making a
total of 10 80
$24 80
Signed by the Committee. 2843
Report read from the Committee on Judiciary, which
was adopted:
To the Grand Lodge of British Columbia, I. O. O. F.
Your Committee on Judiciary beg to report as follows:
We beg to express our approval of the appointments of D. D. G.
M.'s made by the Grand Master during the recess of this Grand
Lodge, also installations by him and proclamations issued.
We have carefully examined the decisions of the Grand Master
reported on pages 10, 11 and 12 of his report, and beg to state that
we agree with all the decisions except No. 18, question (b), which is
as follows:
Are all officers and members entitled to the A. T. P. W. ? Grand
Master's answer—No.
We are of the opinion that every Third Degree member in possession of a legally issued Official Certificate in date is entitled to the
A. T. P. W.
In reviewing the reports of the D. D. G. M.'s it is gratifying to
your committee to note the apparent zeal of and the efficient manner
in which these officers have performed the duty assigned to them, and
we approve of their official actions.
With regard to the questions submitted by Bro. J. Bell, P. G, of
Dominion Lodge, No. 4:
Question No. 1.—Your committee are of the opinion that the
Representatives should be elected by ballot and, although they are
not elective officers of a Subordinate Lodge, yet the established usage
and custom is, and should be, that they must have a majority of the
votes cast before being elected to that position, and that the Noble
Grand has not the power to decide, excepting in the case of a casting
vote.
With respect to Question 2, your committee consider we should
not be called upon to give a decided opinion on a case in which only
one side is stated.
In our opinion this Grand Lodge can only be governed by the
Certificates furnished to the Representatives, signed by the Officers of
the Lodge, and with the seal of the Lodge attached.
We therefore ask to be relieved from giving a decision on this
question.
Signed by the Committee.
The Grand Lodge took a recess for the purpose of affording Dr. Fagan an opportunity of addressing the Grand
Lodge on the claims of the Sanitarium for Consumptives at
Kamloops, B.C. 2844
Dr. Fagan, having concluded his remarks, the Grand
O 7 O 7
Master assured him that the Grand Lodge would take the
matter into its serious consideration. Dr. Fagan then retired
and the Grand Lodge resumed its business.
The report of the Special Committee on Odd Fellows'
Home Fund, laid over from yesterday, was taken from the
7 «/ ft. 7
table. The Grand Secretary suggested an amendment providing that investment of the fund should be made in the
corporate name of the Grand Lodge, which was accepted by
the Committee and the report as so amended was adopted.
The report of the Committee on Odd Fellows' Home,
appointed this Session, which was laid over yesterday, was
taken from the table and on motion referred back to the
Committee for amendment by striking out the proposed
limitation of the levying of assessments to five years.
The Committee presented the report amended as directed
and it was adopted.
The Committee on State of the Order submitted the
following report, which was adopted:
To the Grand Lodge of British Columbia, I. O. O. F.
Your Committee notes with pleasure the material increase in the
membership of the Subordinate Lodges in this Jurisdiction during the
past year. While the general prosperity of the country has had much
to do with this increase, still we believe that the persistent and
untiring efforts of Grand Master Thos. Embleton has largely augmented this forward movement. Several new Lodges were instituted.
The 371-2 per cent, increase in the Rebekah branch of the Order
we consider almost phenomenal, and it certainly marks a history-
making period. No doubt under their own management they will
make even greater progress.
The reports of the District Deputies are encouraging, so far as
they go, but we notice that many of them have failed to report. We
recommend that the attention of the District Deputies be called to
their duties.
We desire to mention and give due credit to the work of the
General Relief Committees. The work performed by these committees
is a very important feature of Odd Fellowship, and too much credit
cannot be given to the members for the beneficient services. 2845
While we are not in position to pass fully on
dinate Rituals, still from our information gleaned
will prove satisfactory and probably will be an improvement on the
old ones.
the new Subor-
we believe they
The inter-visitation between the Grand Officers of British Columbia
and the State of Washington has a tendency to promote good feeling,
and we believe these international visits should be encouraged in
future.
Signed by the Committee.
Bro. D. J. McDonald, P.G., of the Grand Lodge of
Manitoba, presented an Official Certificate and was admitted,
introduced and welcomed to the Grand Lodge.
The Special Committee on Widows' and Orphans' Fund
presented the following report:
To the Grand Lodge of British Columbia, I. O. O. F.
Your Committee, to whom was referred the matter of the possibility of putting the Widows' and Orphans' Fund on a practical
working basis in this Jurisdiction, submit the following plan and
recommend that a committee of five be appointed to look into this
matter and report to our next annual session.
Signed by the Committee.
APPLICATION BLANK IN AID OF WIDOWS AND ORPHANS.
PLAN RE WIDOWS' AND ORPHANS' FUND.
1st. Fund to be raised by increasing the per capita tax 25 cents.
This extra 25 cents to be designated the Widows' and Orphans' Fund.
Payable at the same time and in the same proportion as the per
capita tax.
2nd. Moneys to be received by the Grand Secretary and special
account to be kept of the same.
3rd. Grand Secretary to turn over cash to the Grand Treasurer,
who shall also keep a special account of same and place fund in bank
on interest.
4th. To administer fund, a committee of three, to consist of the
Grand Master and two members of the Grand Lodge residing in the
near vicinity of the Grand Master. Grand Secretary to be secretary to
committee without vote or voice in affairs of the committee.
5th. Moneys donated or drawn from the fund to be disbursed
the same as is done now with general fund, viz., on special vouchers
only, signed by the G. M. and G. S. 2846
6th. When application is made on behalf of any widow or orphan
by any Subordinate Lodge in this Province, such application shall be
addressed to the G. S., who shall immediately transmit a copy thereof
to each member of the committee.
7th. Application for aid in behalf of widow or orphans or both,
shall be made on blanks supplied to Subordinate Lodges. Blanks shall
contain such questions as are appended. These questions must be
answered by the Lodge under seal of the Lodge, certified by the N. G.
and S. of the Lodge.
8th. Application for aid must be forwarded by the Subordinate
Lodge making application to each member of the Committee on
Widows' and Orphans' Fund and the G. S. The committee then shall
determine the amount to be donated or given, and notify the Grand
Master of their decision. The Grand Master giving due consideration
to the written intention of the rest of the committee, shall decide the
amount to be given, and his decision shall be final. He shall at once
notify the G. S., who shall draw the necessary voucher, and the Grand
Treasurer shall remit the amount to the Subordinate Lodge.
x 9th. All documents in connection with the Widows' and Orphans'
Fund to be kept on file in the office of the G. S.
Application for aid is hereby made by
Lodge, No on behalf of the widow (or orphans,
or both) of Brother a member of this
Lodge, who died at
Place of death
QUESTIONS TO BE ANSWERED AS PER SECTION 7.
1. Age of widow.
2. Health of widow.
3. Has she any children?
4. If so, how many?
5. What ages are they?
6. Are they in good health or otherwise?
7. Has deceased left any property or insurance? Is the property (if
any) encumbered ?
8. Has widow any profession or trade?
9. Has widow any relatives?
10. How much money do you think ought to be donated?
11. Do you think it advisable to give a lump sum or in instalments
monthly or half yearly?
12. If so, for how long? 2847
13. Make such remarks as may be of help to the committee to determine proper action.
(Seal.)
Noble Grand.
Secretary.
Lodge, No
It was moved and seconded, That the report be adopted.
Moved and seconded as an amendment, That the report
be laid on the table for one year.
The original motion, on being submitted to the vote, was
declared to be carried.
The Committee on Appeals and Grievances submitted the
following report, which was adopted:
To the Grand Lodge of British Columbia, I. O. O. F.
Your Committee on Appeals and Grievances beg to report as
follows with reference to the communication of Bro. F. C. Tingley,
of Ashcroft, Lodge No. 23. It is our opinion that Bro. Tingley is not
entitled to benefits, as he was in arrears when reported sick.
Signed by the Committee.
The report of the Special Committee appointed last Session, to draft a Constitution, etc., for the Rebekah Assembly,
and to recommend the necessary amendments to. the Grand
Lodge Constitution to enable the Grand Lodge to assess its
Subordinates for an Odd Fellows' Home, which was partially adopted yesterday and laid on the table, was taken
from the table and on motion adopted as a whole.
The Grand Lodge on motion adjourned to 1.30 p.m. 2848
AFTERNOON SESSION
The Grand Lodge re-assembled at 1.30 p.m., the Grand
Lodge Officers and a quorum of Representatives present.
All present were examined, reported qualified and the
Grand Lodge was declared open for business.
The calling of the Roll of Officers and Representatives
was on motion dispensed with.
The Rebekah Assembly returned the Constitution, By-
laws, etc., enacted for its government with the following
7 7 t_? *—'
amendments, and asked that the same be approved:
Amend Sec. 5 of Constitution by making basis of representation to the Assembly: One for Fifty members or under
and one additional representative for a membership over
fifty. Confining eligibility of representatives to Past Xoble
Grands.
Sec. 6—Strike out the words "or Past Grand".
Sec. 10—Increasing the quorum from three to five
Rebekah Lodges.
Rules of Order, Xo. 8—Inserting the words "if required"
after word "shall" in second line.
It was on motion, Resolved, That the foregoing proposed
amendments be agreed to.
Bro. J. S. Cowan, P.G.M., of the Jurisdiction of Quebec,
addressed the Grand Lodge on the question of attaching
"Dawson" Lodge, Xo. 1, Dawson, Yukon Territory, at present under the immediate "jurisdiction of the Sovereign Grand
Lodge, to the Grand Lodge of this Province.
Moved by W. Law, G. W., Xo. 10, and seconded by T.
F. Xeelands, P.G.M., Xo. 8:
Having listened with a great deal of pleasure to the remarks of
Bro. Cowan, P. G. M., of Dawson, Y. T., and learning from him that
Dawson Lodge, No. 1, which is now working under a charter from
the S. G. L., would be glad to be attached to this Grand Lodge; 2849
Be it therefore resolved that this Grand Lodge thanks Bro. Cowan
for his splendid address, and would ask him to carry back to Dawson
Lodge, No. 1, our kindest fraternal greetings, and assure its members
that should they see fit to petition the Grand Body to that end, we
would give the same our most careful consideration.
Resolved, That the hearty and cordial thanks of this
Grand Lodge are due and are hereby tendered to Bro. G. A.
Ellsperman, P.G.M., P.G.R., of the Jurisdiction of Washington, to Mrs. Ellsperman and the ladies of the Rebekah
Assembly of Washington that accompanied them for the
valuable assistance they have rendered to this Grand Lodge
and the Rebekah Assembly during this Session, especially
at the institution of the Assembly.
Bro. Ellsperman returned thanks for the courtesies and
kindness shown him and the ladies that accompanied him
during the Session.
The Committee on Finance presented the following report, which was adopted:
Your Committee on Finance beg to submit the following estimate
of revenue and expenditure for the ensuing year:
revenue.
Bal. in Treasurer's hands $2,901 12
Per capita tax, 4,211 members, at $1.10; payable 55 cents 30th
June, and 55 cents on 31st December, 1908 4,632 10
$7,533 22
EXPENDITURE.
Grand Secretary's salary $720 00
Grand Master's allowance 400 00
Sovereign Grand Lodge Representative tax 150 00
Rent, Grand Secretary's office 100 00
Printing 250 00
Premium -on bonds 10 00
Postage and sundries, Grand Secretary 100 00
Postage and sundries, Grand Master 15 00
Caretaker, Grand Secretary's office 20 00
Grand Lodge Card, Independent Odd Fellow 10 00
Janitor this session 10 00
Mileage and per diem this session 1,923 90
Donation to Rebekah Assembly 100 00
Cost transportation of Rituals 60 00
Odd Fellows' Home Fund tax 1,052 75
Allowance for Past Grand Master Jewels 100 00— 5,021 65
Balance end of year $2,511 57
Signed by the Committee. 2850
Resolved, That the Executive Grand Officers be instructed
to procure two Past Grand Masters' Jewels, one to be presented to the retiring Grand Master, Bro. T. Embleton, and
the other to the senior Past Grand Master of this Jurisdiction.
Resolved, That the thanks of this Grand Lodge be tendered to Dr. Fagan for his address this morning on the treat-
ment of consumptives and the claims of the Sanitarium at
Kamloops, and that the question of financial assistance to
that institution be referred to the Executive Officers of the
Grand Lodge.
The Grand Lodge, on motion, adjourned to 8 o'clock p.m.
EVENING SESSION
The Grand Lodge re-assembled at 8 o'clock, pursuant to
adjournment, the Grand Lodge Officers and a quorum of
Representatives present.
All present were examined, found qualified, and the
Grand Lodge was declared open for business.
The Grand Lodge was visited under Official Certificate
and after due examination by Bro. J. Westover, P.G., of
Algoma Lodge, Fort William, Jurisdiction of Ontario.
The Committee on Resolutions submitted the following
o
report which was adopted:
To the Grand Lodge of British Columbia, I. O. O. i7
Your Committee on Resolutions beg to recommend the adoption
of the following:
Resolved, That the thanks of this Grand Lodge are due and hereby
tendered to His Worship Mayor Keary, of New Westminster, for his
address of welcome at the opening of this session, and for extending
to us the freedom of the city. Resolved, That the thanks of this Grand Lodge be tendered to
the Lodges of this city, viz., Royal City, No. 3, and Amity, No. 27, tor
the appropriate souvenirs presented to representatives, also for providing for the representatives and their lady friends an excursion
down the Fraser River to Ladner.
Resolved, That the thanks of this Grand Lodge be tendered to the
members of Delta Lodge, No. 21, for the enthusiastic reception and
generous hospitality dispensed on the arrival of the excursionists at
Ladner. /
Resolved, That the Grand Lodge desire to express their deep
appreciation of the assistance rendered at the ceremony of instituting
the first Rebekah Assembly in this Jurisdiction by Past Grand Master
G. A. Ellsperman and Mrs. Eva V. Ellsperman, of Blaine; Mrs. Ella
H. Kiteridge, of Tacoma, and Mrs. Alice Hathway, of Seattle, all of the
State of Washington.
Resolved, That this Grand Lodge desires to thank the members
of Beulah Lodge, No. 5, for the excellent supply of refreshments furnished.
Resolved, That this Grand Lodge accord their appreciation to
those Lodges who so generously subscribed to the Odd Fellows' Home
Fund, also the thanks of this Grand Lodge are tendered to those
Lodges who donated the monies returned from the California Relief
Fund.
Resolved, That the thanks of this Grand Lodge be tendered to the
Grand Master and Executive Officers for the efficient manner in which
the business of this Grand Lodge has been conducted during the past
year.
Resolved, That this Grand Lodge do pass a vote of condolence
to the widow and family of the late P. G. M. and P. G. R., J. E.
Phillips, of Dominion Lodge, No. 4, Victoria, B. C, whom the
Almighty has seen fit to remove from our midst since the last meeting
of this Grand Lodge.
Resolved, That this Grand Lodge extend a hearty vote of thanks
to the Odd Fellows' Home Fund Committee, which has so creditably
discharged its duties assigned them. We sincerely trust that the good
work may be continued.
Re California Relief Fund.—In view of the statement made by our
Grand Representatives and Past Grand Master Ellsperman, of Washington, respecting the disposition of the above relief fund; Be it therefore resolved, that this Grand Lodge desire to place on record its
approval of the expenditure of the relief fund by the Grand Lodge
of California, owing to the exceptional number of casualties in that
Jurisdiction.
Resolved, That the thanks of this Grand Lodge be extended to the
following transportation companies, which reduced their rates to the
representatives to this Grand Lodge session, viz., C. P. R., Great
Northern, Esquimalt and Nanaimo Railways. 2852
Resolved, That the thanks of this Grand Lodge be extended to
the press of New Westminster and Vancouver for the reports published of the proceedings; also to the hotels, who have reduced their
rates for the benefit of representatives attending the Grand Lodge,
not forgetting the citizens in general for the many courtesies shown
to the representatives while in the city.
Signed by the Committee.
The Grand Lodge was closed in the Grand Lodge Degree
and reopened in the Third Degree.
The Third Degree members in waiting having been
admitted, the Grand Master appointed T. F. Xeelands,
P.G.M., Xo. 8, and G. A. Ellsperman, P.G.M., of the
Jurisdiction of Washington to present the officers-elect for
installation.
H. T. Fulton, Xo. 6, was presented, duly obligated and
installed as Grand Master for the ensuing year.
The Grand Master then installed the following elective
officers in their respective chairs:
Wallace Law, Xo. 10, as Deputy Grand Master.
E. L. Webber, Xo. 27, as Grand Warden.
Fred Davey, Xo. 1, as Grand Secretary.
€/ 7 7 t/
W. H. Cullin, Xo. 4, as Grand Treasurer.
The Grand Master announced the following appointed
Officers who were regularly installed.
F. J. Squire, Xo. 16, as Grand Chaplain.
C. I. Chapman, Xo. 9, as Grand Marshal.
W. Walker, Xo. 11, as Grand Conductor.
J. Moffet, Xo. 18, as Grand Guardian.
R. Dudley, Xo. 47, as Grand Herald.
The Grand Master announced the following appointments as District Deputy Grand Masters, and the Standing
and Special Committees for the ensuing year. 2853
DISTRICT DEPUTY GRAND MASTERS.
R. A. Anderson, No. 4, District No. 1, comprising Lodges Nos. 1,
2 and 4.
Alex. Adams, District No. 2, comprising Lodges Nos. 3 and 27.
Alexander Forrester, District No. 3, comprising Lodges Nos. 5
and 20.
Arthur E. Smith, District No. 4, comprising Lodge No. 6.
F. N. Nelmes, District No. 5, comprising Lodge No. 7.
W. A. Johnstone, District No. 6, comprising Lodges Nos. 8, 10,
19, 24 and 26.
J. R. McNab, District No. 7, comprising Lodge No. 9.
John Bennie, District No. 8, comprising Lodge No. 11.
W. W. Foster, District No. 9, comprising Lodge No. 12.
Alex. Conway, District No. 10, comprising Lodge No. 15.
George Horstead, District No. 11. comprising Lodge No. 16.
Robert Evans, District No. 12, comprising Lodge No. 17.
S. A. Shatford, District No. 13, comprising Lodges Nos. 18, 48
and 50.
G. T. Baker, District No. 14, comprising Lodge No. 21.
M. Dumont, District No. 15, comprising Lodge No. 23.
A. Horwell, District No. 16, comprising Lodge No. 28.
Arthur Wixon, District No. 17, comprising Lodge No. 34.
J. A. McLeord, District No. 18, comprising Lodges Nos. 36 and 43.
E. Foyle Smith, District No. 19, comprising Lodges Nos. 38 and 46.
D. Anderson, District No. 20, comprising Lodge No. 39.
A. McVicar, District No. 21, comprising Lodge No. 40.
Peter Culkeen, District No. 22, comprising Lodge No. 41.
Chas. Smith, District No. 23, comprising Lodge No. 42.
A. G. Monkhouse, District No. 24, compirsing Lodge No. 44.
W. B. Bower, District No. 25, comprising Lodge No. 45.
T. W. Bell, District No. 26, comprising Lodges Nos. 47, 53 and 54.
J. A. McDowell. District No. 27, comprising Lodge No. 49.
, District No. 28, comprising Lodge No. 51.
J. R. Campbell, District No. 29, comprising Lodge No. 52. 2854
STANDING COMMITTEES.
Finance.—R. Drake, No. 4; J. York, No. 1; P. W. Dempster^
No. 2; E. Trimble, No. 12; D. H. Proudfoot, No. 16.
Appeals.—W. H. Walsh, No. 26; W. Elson, No. 38; F. P. Day,
No. 43; W. J. Ferguson, No. 20; W. R. Brown, No. 27.
Laws of Subordinates.—Grand Secretary, P. A. McLean, No. 1;
D. Dewar, No. 2; N. Jensen, No. 8; F. Trimble, No. 19.
Petitions.—M. J. Phillips, No. 3; A. Donaldson, No. 43; W.
Steele, No. 6; C. A. Warren, No. 34; R. E. Allen, No. 40.
State of the Order.—T. F. Neelands, P. G. M., No. 8; F. J.
Smyth, No. 44; W. A. Johnstone, No. 26; H. McKenzie, No. 20; S.
Paterson, No. 36.
Legislation.—A. Henderson, P. G. M., No. 2; F. J. Squire, No. 16;
W. C. Coatham, No. 27; R. Evans, No. 17; A. Forrester, No. 5.
Judiciary.—T. Embleton, P. G. M., No. 36; G. B. Taylor, No. 38;
A. Cleland, No. 10; W. J. Smith, No. 48.
Mileage and Per Diem.—E. V. Batstone, No. 10; R. McDonald,
No. 12; J. A. McDowell, No. 49; J. Moffet, No. 18; A. Mathieson,
No. 15.
Printing.—Grand Secretary H. McKenzie, No. 24; G. T. Baker,
No. 21; F. Nelmes, No. 7.
Statistics re Dues and Benefits.—Grand Secretary, T. Dixon, No.
5; F. Mummery, No. 41; C. S. Keith, No. 3.
Re Funeral Aid Association.—C. S. Keith, No. 3; W. C. Coat-
ham, No. 27; M. J. Phillips, No. 3; A. Forrester, No. 5; J. McKay,
No. 8.
Odd Fellows' Home Fund.—T. F. Neelands, P. G. M., No. 8; D.
E. McKenzie, P. G. M., No. 3; A. McKelvie, No. 26; A. deland, No.
8; A. P. Halladay, No. 27.
The ceremony of Installation being complete the Third
Degree members retired and the Grand Lodge was closed in
the Third and reopened in the Grand Lodge Degree.
Resolved, That the appointments of the Grand Master be
confirmed.
Resolved, That the minutes of this day's Session be taken
as read. 2860
Westminster
Victoria
Nanaimo ...
Ladysmith...
Chilli wack..
Vancouver...
Kamloops...
Vancouver..
Cumberland
Revelstoke..
Cloverdale..
Nelson
Duncan
Vernon
Mt. Pleasant.
Nanaimo ...
Ladner
Asncroft
Eburne
Vancouver..
Westminster
Agassiz
Rossland ...
Greenwood.
Sandon
Slocan City..
Trout L. City
Cranbrook...
Name
of Lodge.
Columbia....
Royal City..
Dominion...
Blk. Diam'd.
Harmony ...
Excelsior
Vancouver..
Tatnai
Western Star
Selkirk
Cloverdale ..
Kootenay....
Vern'n Val'y
Mt. Pleasant.
Centennial.. 2861 In Memoriam
W. R. Mackintosh, P. G.
E. Hooson, P. G.
Victoria Lodge, No. I.
J. E. McMillan, P. G.
Columbia Lodge, No. 2.
M. B. Bmerson, p. (5,
Royal City Lodge, No. 3.
J. B- pbillips, p.CB.iTb., P-G-1R.
Dominion Lodge, No. 4.
2L J. /IDoulfc, p- O.
Vancouver Lodge, No. 8.
5. ^Brown, p. 0.
Tatnai Lodge, No. 9.
a* <§>. jsi^tb, p. 0.
Duncan Lodge. No. 17.
1b- XLXH* f>arrison, p- 6.
Rocky Mountain Lodge, No. 34.
Jobn Calfcwell, p. 0.
Silver City Lodge, No. 39.
'Life's race well run,
Life's work well done,
Life's crown well won,
Now comes rest." 2863
CONSTITUTION OF THE REBEKAH ASSEMBLY, I.O.O.F.,
OF BRITISH COLUMBIA.
Any Grand Lodge working under a charter granted by the
Sovereign Grand Lodge, in a jurisdiction having five or more Rebekah
lodges, is hereby empowered, upon proper petition, to charter and
institute a Rebekah Assembly within its own jurisdiction, and such
Grand Lodge may clothe such Assembly with such powers and surround
it with such limitations as may be deemed best for carrying out the
objects and purposes of Rebekah lodges, as set forth in the laws
governing the same. Such Assemblies shall be required to make such
reports as their respective Grand Lodges may direct. But all rights
and privileges granted to Rebekah Assemblies, both those granted by
charter and by law, shall be revocable at any time by the Grand Lodge
granting the same, or by the Sovereign Grand Lodge.
(Section 30, Rebekah Degree Code, S.G.L.)
PREAMBLE.
The Grand Lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows in
British Columbia, by the authority vested in it by the Sovereign Grand
Lodge, do ordain, declare and establish the following articles as the
Constitution enacted for the government of the Rebekah Assembly in
British Columbia.
TITLE.
Sec. 1. This body shali be known and hailed by the name, style
and title of "The Rebekah Assembly of British Columbia of the
Independent Order of Odd Fellows."
OBJECTS.
Sec 2. The objects of the Assembly shall be to create a deeper
interest in this department of Odd Fellowship; to propose to the Grand
Lodge suitable legislation for this branch of the Order; to legislate
for Rebekah Lodges within its prescribed powers; to encourage the
formation of new Lodges and strengthen those already chartered, and
assist in carrying out the objects of Rebekah Lodges as denned in the
code for their government, adopted by the Sovereign Grand Lodge,
and to collect and report such information as will lead to a better
understanding of the character and objects of the Order. 2864
POWERS.
Sec. 3. This Rebekah Assembly shall have such jurisdiction in
Odd Fellowship over Rebekah Lodges and Rebekah members within
the Province of British Columbia, as may be vested in it from time
to time by the Grand Lodge of British Columbia, I.O.O.F. It shall
have the power of framing By-laws and Rules for its own government;
of regulating the means of its own support; and of performing all
such other acts and things as shall have for their object the promotion of the true and best interests of the Order, subject, however,
in all cases to the consent and approval of the Grand Lodge of British
Columbia.
MEMBERSHIP.
Sec 4. This Rebekah Assembly shall be composed of all duly
qualified Past Noble Grands of Rebekah Lodges, and Past Grands of
Subordinate Lodges, who are members in good standing in a Rebekah
Lodge in British Columbia, who have received the Assembly Degree.
But its legislative functions shall be vested in and exercised solely by
such representatives as shall be elected and appointed in the manner
prescribed by this Constitution, and the By-laws of this Rebekah
Assembly.
Provided, That all other members of the Assembly shall be entitled
to make and debate motions and serve on committees, but shall not
be entitled to vote, except in the case of female members, at the
election of officers, unless they represent a Rebekah Lodge.
REPRESENTATION.
. Sec 5. Each Rebekah Lodge in good standing shall be entitled
to one Representative for its membership of fifty or under and one
additional Representative if its membership exceeds fifty in number.
Representatives must be Past Noble Grands in good standing in a
Rebekah Lodge. A new Lodge, having no Past Noble Grand, may
elect a qualified delegate from a Sister Lodge. The election of
Representatives shall take place at the first regular meeting of Rebekah
Lodges in May, of each year, and shall be conducted in the same
manner as officers are elected. Representatives shall hold the position
for one year from the Tuesday preceding the second Wednesday in June
succeeding their election. The basis of representation shall be determined
by the preceding semi-annual report of December 31st. Each Representative shall present to the Assembly a certificate of election, which
shall be made out in duplicate, signed by the Noble Grand and
Secretary, with the seal of the Lodge affixed thereto, the duplicate
to be delivered to the Representative named therein and the original
to be transmitted by the Secretary to the Secretary of the Assembly.
Sec 6. If a vacancy shall occur in the position of Representative
to the Assembly, from any cause, the Lodge may fill the same by an
election conducted in such manner as the original election for such
Representative. But if the vacancy shall occur after the last meeting
of the Lodge prior to the opening of the Assembly, then in such 2865
case the Noble Grand may appoint a qualified Past Noble Grand to
fill such vacancy.
Sec 7. No member of a Rebekah Lodge, which has not paid
the per capita tax or forwarded to the Secretary of this Assembly
a copy of the preceding term's report, or which, in any way shall have
lost, or shall have been deprived of its good standing as a Rebekah
Lodge, shall be admitted or be recognized as a member of this
Assembly while such disability or default of said Lodge shall continue.
MEETINGS.
Sec 8. This Assembly shall meet annually at such hour as may be
decided on by the Executive Officers, due notice thereof being given
to each Lodge, on the Tuesday preceding the second Wednesday of
June in each year at the same place where the Grand Lodge, I.O.O.F.,
of British Columbia holds its annual session, and may adjourn from
day to day until its business is completed. The Assembly shall be
opened in the Assembly Degree at all times and no person not in
possession of the Assembly Degree shall be permitted to remain in the
Assembly when open.
Sec 9. Special meetings may be held upon the call of the President, at the request of three Rebekah Lodges. The time and place of
meeting, and the object for which it is called, shall be stated in the
call, and no business not so specified shall be transacted at any special
meeting.
Sec 10. The Assembly can not be opened unless there are present
and continue in session a representation of Five Rebekah Lodges in
good standing, and such representatives shall constitute a legal
quorum for the transaction of any business that may legally come
before the Assembly. If a quorum be not present at any time when
the Assembly should be opened, those present may adjourn from time
to time until a quorum shall appear.
OFFICERS.
Sec 11. The elective officers of this Assembly shall be a President,
Vice-President, Warden, Secretary and Treasurer, who shall also constitute the Executive Committee, and who shall be nominated and
elected annually on the first day of the session of the Assembly and
installed before the close of the session. In the event of a vacancy
in the office of President in the interim of the Assembly, the Vice-
President shall thereupon succeed to the office of President and become
vested with all the powers of that office. Should a vacancy occur in
the office of Vice-President, Warden, Secretary, or Treasurer, by
death, resignation, or otherwise, during the recess of this Rebekah
Assembly, such vacancy shall be filled by a member of the Order to
be chosen by a majority of the remaining Elective Officers. 2866
Sec 12. The appointive officers of this Assembly shall consist of
a Marshal, Chaplain, Conductor, Inside Guardian, Outside Guardian,
who shall be appointed by the President after her installation and
installed immediately after the elective officers.
DUTIES OF OFFICERS.
Sec 13. The President shall preside at all meetings of the
Assembly when present; she shall preserve order and decorum therein,
and decide all questions of order, subject, however, to an appeal to the
Assembly; she shall have the casting vote upon all occasions when the
Assembly is equally divided, except in cases decided by ballot She
shall appoint all committees, unless otherwise ordered, and all officers
pro tern. She shall call special sessions of the Assembly when legally
requested to do so. She shall determine and communicate the semiannual password for use in Rebekah Lodges, and shall also communicate the annual password to Rebekah Lodges as soon as practicable
after receiving it. She shall appoint and commission a District Deputy
President for each District or Lodge. During the recess of the Assembly
she shall exercise general supervision over the Rebekah branch of the
Order, and decide all questions that may be legally submitted to her
for decision. She shall sign all orders authorizing drafts of money on
the treasurer, and she shall sign all other documents requiring her
signature. She shall put all questions to the Assembly, and perform
such other duties, and shall have, exercise and enjoy such other
powers as shall be provided for by law. She may grant dispensations
for the following purposes:—
For the installation of Officers of Lodges in public;
To ballot for and initiate a candidate at the same meeting the
proposition is presented to the Lodge;
To give entertainments for the benefit of the Order;
To elect members not otherwise qualified to office, provided all
qualified members decline to serve;
To allow Lodges to admit to membership persons who reside
nearer to some other Lodge.
Sec 14. The Vice-President shall occupy a chair at the right
of the President, and shall assist that officer in the performance of her
duties, and shall, in the absence of the President, perform the duties
of that office.
Sec 15. The Warden shall, under the President, have special
charge of the door, and shall assist the President in conducting the
business of the Assembly. In case of the absence or disability of the
President and Vice-President, she shall perform the duties and exercise
the powers of President until the absence or disability of one of said
officers shall end, or until the vacancy shall be otherwise filled in
accordance with law, and shall confer the Assembly Degree upon all
Delegates, Past Grands and Past Noble Grands whose credentials shall
be approved by the Assembly. 2867
Sec 16. The Secretary shall record all proceedings of this
Assembly, and, as soon as practicable after each annual session, shall
transmit at least two printed copies of its journal to each Rebekah
Lodge, one copy thereof to the Secretary of the Sovereign Grand Lodge,
five copies to the Secretary of the Grand Lodge of British Columbia,
and one to each Rebekah Assembly of the Order. She shall dispose
of other copies of said printed journal at her discretion, furnishing
extra copies to such persons as are likely to value,- preserve and use
them, but retaining at least twenty copies in her office for the use of
the Assembly and its officers. She shall safely keep all books, papers,
documents and other property of this Assembly whose custody is not
otherwise provided for by law or usage. She shall attest all orders
drawn on the Treasurer, and shall procure all stationery and blanks
for the use of the Assembly. She shall keep all the accounts of the
Assembly, shall receive all its moneys and pay the same over to the
Treasurer without unnecessary delay. She shall notify each Rebekah
Lodge of every regular and special session of this Assembly, at least
two weeks before the date fixed for such session. She shall make
such reports to the Grand Lodge of British Columbia as the laws of
that body shall require, and, at each regular session of this Assembly,
shall present a full report of the business of her office since the last
preceding report, showing receipts and expenditures in detail, with
vouchers and with an abstract of the returns of Rebekah Lodges, with
such other information as she shall deem proper, and as the Assembly
shall require. She shall have the custody of the seal of this Assembly
and shall receive as compensation for her services such sum as the
Assembly shall from time to time decide.
Sec 17. The Treasurer shall receive from the Secretary, take
charge of and safely keep all moneys paid into her hands, shall pay
all orders drawn on her, signed by the President, and attested by the
Secretary. She shall keep a correct account of all moneys received and
paid out by her, by order of the Assembly, showing to whom and for
what purpose all payments are made. At the expiration of her term
of office, or after resignation thereof, or removal therefrom, she 'Shall
make to the Assembly a detailed report of the business of her office,
submitting vouchers therewith.
Sec 18. The Secretary and Treasurer shall give bonds for the
faithful performance of their duties, in such sum as shall from time
to time be fixed by the Assembly, and with sufficient security, which
shall be approved by the Assembly before the installation of the officer.
Sec 19. The Secretary and Treasurer shall, whenever requested
so to do, attend upon the Committee of Finance, or any Special Committee appointed for the purpose, and each shall exhibit to said
Committee all of her books, papers, vouchers, and other property
belonging to the Assembly that may be called for.
Sec. 20. The Marshal, Conductor, Chaplain and Guardians shall
severally perform the duties assigned to such officers by the laws and
usages of the Order. 2868
Sec 21. Every officer of the Assembly shall exercise such powers
and authority and shall perform such duties, in addition to those herein
prescribed, as shall be required of them by the Assembly or the general
laws of the Order, and shall at the end of her term of office, or sooner,
if from any cause she shall vacate or be removed from such office,
deliver to her successor in office, or to such person as shall be lawfully
authorized to receive them, all property of the Assembly of every kind
and description which shall be in her possession, and which has not
been otherwise lawfully disposed of.
Sec 22. At the close of each Annual Session the President of the
Assembly shall appoint a District Deputy who shall act as the agent
of the President with the Rebekah Lodge or Lodges situated within
the District over which such officer may be appointed; it shall be the
duty of the District Deputy to see that the work of the Order is
performed therein uniformly and correctly; and install the officers
of such Lodge or Lodges or cause the same to be done by a competent
officer; the District Deputy shall be entrusted with the charge of, and
shall countersign and issue all dispensations granted to any lodge in
the District; and shall report to the President, at least two weeks
previous to each regular session, such dispensations as may have
passed through his or her hands, together with all other matters
coming within his or her sphere of duty; and shall remit forthwith
to the Secretary all dues, charges and other funds, which may have
been received by him or her on account of this Assembly. The District
Deputy President shall be also under the direction and control of the
Grand Master, who is supreme authority in the jurisdiction during
the recess of the Grand Lodge.
Sec 23. The President shall not hold office in a Rebekah Lodge
nor shall a D.D.P. hold the office of Noble Grand in a Rebekah Lodge.
COMMITTEES.
Sec 24. At each annual session, the President shall appoint the
following Standing Committees:
1. Committee on Credentials.
2. Committee on Distribution.
3. Committee on Unfinished Business.
4. Committee on Printing.
5. Committee on Returns.
6. Committee on Finance.
7. Committee on Judiciary.
8. Committee on Appeals and Grievances.
9. Committee on State of the Order.
10. Committee on Legislation.
11. Committee on Mileage and Per Diem. 2869
12. Committee on Laws of Subordinates.
13. Committee on Petitions and Correspondence.
Each Committee shall consist of three members, and their reports
shall be called for and acted upon in the order named above.
Sec 25. The Committee on Credentials shall examine and report
on the certificates of Representatives and Past Noble Grands and Past
Grands, and such other matters as shall be referred to them.
Sec 26. The Committee on Distribution shall examine the reports
of the officers of this Assembly, and such other matters as shall be
referred to them, and shall recommend a distribution and reference
of the various matters therein contained to appropriate Committees.
Sec 27. The Committee on Unfinished Business shall examine the
journals of the meetings of this Assembly, and report all unfinished
business appearing on said journals.
Sec 28. The Committee on Printing shall superintend all printing
that may be ordered and shall have authority to contract for the same.
Sec 29. The Committee on Returns shall examine all returns and
reports from Rebekah Lodges and shall report thereon, whether correct
or incorrect; if the latter, designating the particulars wherein they
are incorrect and deficient.
Sec 30. The Committee on Finance shall examine and report on
all accounts and claims against this Assembly which shall be referred
to them; and at each regular session, and at any other time when
requested by the President shall examine and audit the books and
accounts of the Secretary and Treasurer of the Assembly and of all
officers and committees intrusted with the receipt or disbursements of
money of this Assembly. They shall make full reports of their proceedings, and shall recommend such appropriations of funds and other
measures of finance, as they shall deem best; particularly recommending, at aech session, the amount which should be levied to meet the
reasonable expenses of the Assembly for the coming year, and submitting an estimate of the probable expenses to be provided for.
Sec 31. The Committee on Judiciary shall investigate and report
upon all questions concerning the laws and usages of the Order which
shall be referred to them; and all decisions of the President on
questions of law or usages shall be so referred.
Sec 32. The Committee on Appeals and Grievances shall investigate and determine upon' all appeals and grievances from Rebekah
Lodges and from members which shall be legally brought before them,
and shall report thereon to this Assembly. 2870
Sec 33. The Committee on State of the Order shall examine
and report upon the reports of officers of this Assembly, as far as they
relate to the condition of of the Rebekah branch of the Order; and
all other matters which shall be referred to them. They shall present
in their reports an exhibit of the condition and progress of the Rebekah
Lodges in this Jurisdiction, and shall recommend such measures as
they shall deem to be for the good of the Order.
Sec 34. The Committee on Legislation shall consider and report
upon all matters concerning the enactment, amendment and repeal of
laws, and any other matter referred to them.
Sec 35. The Committee on Mileage and per diem shall arrange a
table of the mileage and per diem of the officers and representatives and
of the Junior Past President in accordance with such resolutions as
may be adopted from time to time, fixing the rate of such mileage and
per diem.
Sec 36. The Committee on Laws of Subordinates shall carefully
examine and inspect all by-laws of Rebekah Lodges submitted to them
for approval and determine whether they are in conformity with the
code for the government of Rebekah Lodges and the usages of the
Order, and report accordingly.
Sec 37. The Committee on Petitions and Correspondence shall
consider all petitions that may be referred to it and all official correspondence of the President and Secretary, and report thereon.
Revenue.
Sec 38. The Rebekah Assembly shall be entitled to receive from
each Rebekah Lodge such sum per capita as may be fixed at each
meeting of the Assembly, which shall be payable half-yearly, for each
unsuspended member on its books, as shown by its semi-annual return.
Its revenue shall be further drawn from the sale of supplies to lodges.
LODGES.
Sec 39. The funds and properties of Rebekah Lodges are by the
provisions of their Charters and the laws of the Order, held only in
trust for charitable purposes; donating them for other than such
purposes, or in any manner dividing them among the members individually, is a violation of such trust and the law—the penalty for which
is expulsion; and any member participating in such illegal diversion
of lodge property from its legitimate objects will be held personally
responsible for the money or effects so diverted, and will be liable to
prosecution by the Rebekah Assembly or by the Grand Lodge in the
Civil Courts. If a Lodge shall fail from any cause to work, all moneys
and properties, together with the Charter, shall be surrendered to the
Grand Lodge, to be held in trust and applied as hereinafter provided. 2871
Sec 40. Any Rebekah Lodge failing to make the returns and pay
the dues required by its Constitution, for twelve months, shall become
liable to the forfeiture of its Charter, which may thereupon be recalled
by the President or by vote of the Rebekah Assembly at any regular
session. In the event of any lodge failing to meet for three consecutive
months, it shall thereby become extinct; and it shall be the duty of
the officers and members of such lodge to transmit to this Rebekah
Assembly the Charter, books, funds and other property of said lodge.
Sec 41. A Rebekah Lodge may surrender its Charter and be
merged into another lodge; or two or more lodges may be amalgamated under the terms and conditions prescribed in the By-laws of this
Rebekah Assembly.
Sec 42. In all cases where the Charter of a Rebekah Lodge is
ai rested, surrendered or reclaimed, it shall be the duty of the Assembly
Secretary to forward the Charter and seal of any such lodge to the
Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of British Columbia.
Sec 43. The Rebekah Assembly may group the lodges into Districts, making such arrangements thereof from time to time, as circumstances may suggest and require, and as shall seem most fit and
expedient.
REGALIA.
Sec 44. Every officer, delegate and member must be in proper
regalia before he or she can be allowed to speak in the Assembly; but
in lieu of the Past Noble Grand's collar a pink and green ribbon shall
be deemed proper regalia. It shall be the duty of the Assembly to
provide the prescribed regalia for its officers.
amendments.
Sec 45. Any changes in, or amendments to this Constitution, may
be made at any annual session of the Assembly, provided the proposed
amendment shall have been submitted in writing and signed by three
members of the Assembly and adopted by a two-thirds vote of the
members present.
Sec 46. This Constitution, and any amendments which may hereafter be made thereto, shall be in force from and after their approval
by the Grand Lodge, I.O.O.F., of British Columbia, unless some other
specified time shall be fixed by the Assembly.
Sec 47. This Assembly may also, at its annual session, enact,
alter, amend qr repeal, by a two-thirds vote such by-laws, not in conflict with the Constitution, or the general laws governing this Assembly,
as shall be deemed necessary; provided, that such enactment, alteration, amendment or repeal shall not take effect until approved by the
Grand Lodge, I.O.O.F., of British Columbia. 2872
BY-LAWS.
Sec 1. This Assembly shall be called to order by the President at
the hour specified in the Constitution. In case of the absence of the
President, then the Vice-President shall preside, and if both of these
officers are absent, the Warden shall call the Assembly to order. If the
President, Vice-President and Warden are absent, the Junior Past
President or any Past President may preside.
Sec 2. The Marshal and Conductor shall prove every person
present in the semi-annual password of the Rebekah Lodge and the
password of the Assembly Degree, and no one shall be permitted to
remain who can not prove themselves in these passwords.
Sec 3. After the examination by the Marshal and Conductor, and
the President is satisfied all present are entitled to remain, the opening
ode will be sung, the Chaplain will offer prayer, the members will
advance the sign of the Assembly Degree and the President will
declare the Assembly open for the transaction of such business as shall
legally come before it.
Sec 4. The following shall be the order of business:
1. Calling roll of officers.
2. Report of the Committee on Credentials.
3. Admission of new members and conferring Assembly Degree.
4. Minutes of previous session read or otherwise disposed of.
5. Appointment of Standing Committees.
6. Reports of Assembly officers.
7. Roll call of Lodges for the presentation of resolutions, new
business or amendments to by-laws, for approval, all of which shall
be referred by the President to the appropriate Standing Committees.
8. Reports of Standing Committees.
9. Reports of Special Committees.
10. Presentation of resolutions and motions.
11. Miscellaneous business not otherwise herein provided for.
Sec 5. When a recess is taken from time to time, the regular
form of opening may be dispensed with, but the Marshal and Conductor shall examine those present in the passwords herein specified.
Sec 6. When the Assembly shall adjourn from day to day, the
usual form of closing a Rebekah Lodge shall be followed and the form
of opening as prescribed in Section 3 of these by-laws shall be observed.
Sec 7. All Rituals, books and blank forms necessary for the
proper working of Rebekah Lodges shall be provided by the Assembly 2873
and sold to lodges at a uniform advance of twenty-five per cent, on cost.
All orders for supplies must be over the seal of the lodge, and must
be accompanied by the amount required to pay the same.
Sec 8. The funds of the Assembly shall be invested in Canadian
securities, in the names of the President and Secretary; but such
moneys as are retained in the custody of the Treasurer for the immediate purposes of the Assembly shall be deposited by that officer in
some banking institution at her own discretion, and immediately on
her receipt thereof, unless otherwise ordered by the Assembly.
Sec 9. Upon the suspension or expulsion of a lodge, or surrender of its Charter, it shall be the duty of its last installed officers
and members having the custody of the Charter, books, papers, properties and funds of the lodge, to assign, transfer and deliver the same
on demand to the Grand Master, or to such person as may be deputed
by him to receive the same; and the same shall be held subject to the
order of the Grand Lodge. Any officer or member having such properties in custody, refusing such demand, shall be forever excluded
from membership or fellowship in the Order, notwithstanding such
lodge should afterwards be restored to good standing; and shall be
liable to prosecution in the civil courts.
Sec 10. All effects or funds received by the Grand Lodge from
any lodge under the preceding clause shall be held in trust; first, for
the benefit of any member or orphans of such lodge at the time of the
dissolution or suspension of the same; and the balance, if any, to be
returned to such Lodge should it be reinstated, or upon the expiration
of the period of its suspension; provided, however, that should said
Lodge not be restored to fellowship within three years, the funds and
properties of said lodge shall be appropriated for the benefit of the
Odd Fellows' Home of British Columbia. The effects and properties
of any such suspended lodge may be converted into money at any time
at the discretion of the Grand Master, but such money shall be held
and disposed of as hereinbefore provided.
Sec 11. Members of an extinct lodge, upon payment of all
arrears due by them at the time of the dissolution of the lodge, may
receive a card from the Grand Secretary, which shall have all the force
and effect of an expired withdrawal card; and the Grand Lodge or,
during recess thereof, the Grand Master may direct the issue of cards
to such members without the payment of arrears, or upon payment
of such portion thereof as may be deemed sufficient, upon satisfactory
reasons therefor being shown, provided, always, that the Grand Master
shall be satisfied that the applicant was not implicated in the breaking
up of the lodge, or in any illegal distribution or use of the funds of
the same. 2«74
RULES OF ORDER. •
Rule 1. The presiding officer shall preserve order and decorum;
may speak on points of order in preference to others, rising from
her seat for that purpose; and shall decide questions of order without
debate, unless she entertains doubts and asks for the opinions of
others, subject to an appeal to the Assembly by any two members, on
which appeal no one shall speak more than once.
Rule 2. While the presiding officer is putting a question or
addressing the Assembly, or while any member is speaking, no member
shall walk about or leave the Assembly, or entertain private discourse,
and no speaker shall be interrupted except by a call to order.
Rule 3. When any member wishes to speak or make a motion
he or she shall rise and respectfully address the presiding officer, and
shall not proceed until recognized by the presiding officer; but these
formalities shall not be required of one who merely seconds a motion.
Rule 4. If two or more members address the presiding officer
at the same time, she (the presiding officer) shall decide which shall
be entitled then to speak, but shall give the others the earliest practicable opportunity to be heard.
Rule 5. No member shall speak more than once on the same subject or question until all have had an opportunity to speak; and no
member shall speak more than twice on the same subject, or speak
more than five minutes at any one time, without the unanimous consent
of the Assembly.
Rule 6. If a member, while speaking, is called to order, she or he
shall cease speaking and be seated until the question of order is determined and permission to proceed is given by the presiding officer.
Rule 7. A member speaking shall discuss only the subject then
under debate; shall use no personalities or indecorous language, nor
reflections upon the Assembly or its members (though the consequences
of a proposed measure may be denounced or reprobated) ; and shall
be seated at the conclusion of her or his remarks.
Rule 8. Every resolution and motion brought before this Assembly
shall, if required, be reduced to writing submitted in duplicate and
signed by the members presenting it, and shall be delivered to the
Secretary, either after it is read, or before reading, to be read by that
officer. If signed by two or more members before reading, it shall
not require a second. As soon as the same is read and seconded, it
shall be considered without further making of motion, and, unless
otherwise ordered by the Assembly, shall be referred to the proper
Committee by the presiding officer, without debate. This rule shall not
apply to the privileged motions mentioned in the next rule. 2875
Rule 9. When a question is before the Assembly, no motion shall
be received except for adjournment, the previous question, to lay on
the table, to postpone indefinitely, to postpone to a certain time, to
divide, to commit, and to amend; and these motions shall have precedence in the order in which they are mentioned herein; and the
first four named shall be decided without debate, except that a motion
to adjourn to a time specified shall be subject to debate, and to
amendment, as to the time.
Rule 10. When the previous question is moved, and is seconded
by four members, it shall be put at once in this form: "Shall the
main question be now put?" If decided in the affirmative, the debate
shall cease and the presiding officer shall put to vote all pending
amendments and the original question in their proper order, but if the
previous question is decided in the negative, the questions before the
Assembly shall remain as before.
Rule 11. The person first named on a Committee shall be Chairman thereof, unless the Committee shall otherwise order; and all
Committees shall report in writing except Committees to examine
visitors. When a report of a Committee is read, the question of its
adoption shall be stated and acted on without waiting for a formal
motion or second.
Rule 12. Should any Committee be appointed at one session of
this Assembly to report at the next succeeding session, such Committee
shall report in writing, even though they be not delegates, or in
attendance, at said next session.
Rule 13. When a blank is to be filled, and different sums, numbers
or times are proposed, the question shall first be taken on the greatest
sum or number and the longest or latest time.
Rule 14. No motion for reconsideration shall be received unless
made by one who voted on the prevailing side at first.
Rule 15. The presiding officer, or any member doubting the
decision of a question, may call for a division and a count of the
affirmative and negative votes; and the yeas and nays shall be taken
and recorded on the demand of any three members.
Rule 16. These rules, or any of them, may be suspended or
varied, at any time, by unanimous consent or by a two-thirds vote
of the Assembly.
Rule 22. All questions of order not herein provided for shall be
decided in accordance with Canadian Parliamentary Practice as defined
in Bourinot's Manual of Procedure. 2876
INSTITUTION OF THE REBEKAH ASSEMBLY, I.O.O.F. OF
BRITISH COLUMBIA, AND PROCEEDINGS OF
FIRST SESSION.
Odd Fellows" Hall,
New Westminster,
9th June, 1908.
The Grand Lodge of British Columbia, I.O.O.F., at its Annual
Session held at Nanaimo, B.C., on the 12th day of June, 1907, having
received a petition from "Mizpah"
Rebekah Lodge, No. 5, "Deborah"
Rebekah Lodge, No. 15, "Queen
"Phoenix" Rebekah Lodge, No. 17,
Rebekah Lodge, No. 2, "Beulah'
Rebekah Lodge, No. 13, "Floral"
City" Rebekah Lodge, No. 16,
"Greenwood" Rebekah Lodge, No.
18, and "Maple Leaf" Rebekah Lodge, No. 19, praying that a Charter
be granted for the institution of a Rebekah Assembly for British
Columbia. Resolved, on the recommendation of the Committee on
Petitions to grant the request, and ordered that the Institution of the
Assembly take place at the next ensuing Annual Session of the Grand
Lodge, and that the Rebekah Lodges of the jurisdiction be notified to
this effect.
Lodges were
In accordance with this resolution, the Rebekah
notified that the institution of the Assembly would take place at New
Westminster, B.C., on Tuesday, the 9th day of June, 1908, at eight
o'clock p.m.
In pursuance of the above
the chair at eight o'clock p.m.
Assembly to order.
Thos. Embleton, Grand Master, took
on the above date, and called the
All present were examined in the Assembly Degree and reported
properly qualified.
The Grand Master appointed the following to act as the officers of
the Assembly; Sister E. Ellsperman, P.P. of the Jurisdiction of Washington, as Deputy President; Sister Hathaway, P.P. of the Jurisdiction of Washington, as Warden; Fred. Davey, Grand Secretary, as Secretary; G.. A. Ellsperman, P.G.M., P.G.R., and Sister
Kitteridge of the Jurisdiction of Washington as Marshals; Sister
Frances Bacom, of No.
No. 2, as Chaplain.
16, as Inside Guardian, and Sister Walsh of 2877
The Chaplain addressed the Throne of Grace and the Assembly
was declared open for business.
All those qualified to receive the Assembly Degree in waiting, were
admitted and the following were obligated and received the Assembly
Degree:—
"Colfax" Rebekah Lodge, No. 1—Sisters M. Dempster, S. Grant,
M. A. Phillips, H. McCahill, F. A. Walker and E. Taylor.
"Mizpah" Rebekah Lodge, No. 2—Sisters A. Atkins, E. Munroe,
H. E. Cozens, M. McP. George, E. L. George M. Yeandle, I. V. Flett,
M. Burpee, U. Ross, S. E. Hanna, Mrs. Dennis, S. E. Freeman, J.
Walsh, C. Burgoyne, and A. G. Butterfield.
"Miriam" Rebekah Lodge, No. 3—Sisters A. Crossan, S. Meakin,
E. Gillard, I. Aitkin, C. Ferguson, S. Handlen, F. Crossan, M. Lang-
ham, D. Thorpe, A. Bell and Maud Woodcock.
"Beulah" Rebekah Lodge, No. 5—Sisters S. Gilley, M. F. Insley,
E. Cunningham, A. F. Gilley, J. Baker, E. G. Ferguson, M. E. Keith,
F. Fales, M. A. Diamond, and M. G. Coatham.
"Laurel" Rebekah Lodge, No. 9—Sisters E. Hunter, L. Gillespie,
E. G. Gilchrist, M. Curry, M. Muir, and J. Morgan.
"Deborah" Rebekah Lodge, No. 13—Sisters E. Evans, A. Lee, M.
Evans, and A. Smith.
"Floral" Rebekah Lodge, No. 15—Sister S. Walker.
"Queen City" Rebekah Lodge, No. 16—Sisters F. Bacom, N. Jackson and M. Squire.
"Phoenix" Rebekah Lodge, No. 17—Sister L. Tait.
"Greenwood" Rebekah Lodge, No. 18—Sister M. Brown.
"Esther" Rebekah Lodge, No. 20—Sister M. L. Beck.
The Grand Master called upon the Marshals to present the petitioners for the Charter for the Rebekah Assembly. The petitioners
having been presented were obligated and the Charter confided to their
charge and the Rebekah Assembly of British Columbia was declared
to be duly instituted.
The Grand Master called upon those present to nominate the first
officers of the Assembly.
For the office of President the following were nominated: Sister
M. E. Keith, No. 5; Sister F. Bacom, No. 16; Sister M. Muir, No. 9;
Sister Walsh, No. 2; Sister Dempster, No. 1, and Sister Yeandle, No. 2.
It was moved, seconded and carried, That the voting for officers
be confined to Sisters only.
The Grand Master appointed Bro. G. A. Ellsperman, P.G.M. of
Washington, and Bro. J. A. McKay, No. 2, to act as tellers.
The ballot was spread for the election of President with the
following result:
Sister Keith received 31 votes, Sister Bacom 24, Sister Muir 10,
Sister Dempster 23, Sister Yeandle 16, blanks 2. 2878
No choice appearing, a fresh ballot was spread, the names of Sisters
Muir and Yeandle being dropped and the following result announced:
Sister Keith received 34 votes, Sister Bacom 26 votes, Sister Dempster
36 votes, blanks 5.
Neither candidate receiving a majority of the votes cast, a fresh
ballot was spread, the name of Sister Bacom being dropped, with the
following result: Sister Keith received 56 votes, Sister Dempster
43 votes, blanks 3.
Sister M. E. Keith, No. 5, having received a majority of the votes
cast was declared duly elected President for the ensuing year.
For the office of Vice-President the following nominations were
made: Sister M. Muir, No. 9; Sister F. Bacom, No. 16; Sister M.
Langham. No. 3; Sister A. Lee, No. 13; Sister S. E. Hanna, No. 2.
The ballot was spread and the following result announced: Sister
Muir received 12 votes, Sister Bacom 24 votes, Sister Langham 22
votes, Sister Lee 12 votes, Sister Hanna 28 votes.
Neither candidate receiving a majority of the votes cast a fresh
ballot was spread, the names of Sisters Lee and Muir being dropped,
and the following result announced: Sister Bacom received 37 votes,
Sister Langham 28 votes, Sister Hanna 35 votes, blank 1.
No choice appearing another ballot was spread, the name of
Sister Langham being dropped, with the following result: Sister
Bacom received 52 votes, Sister Hanna 49 votes, blank 1.
Sister Bacom having received a majority of all votes cast was
declared duly elected Vice-President for the ensuing year.
The following nominations were offered for the office of Warden:
Sister M. Langham, No. 3; Sister S. Hanna, No. 2, and Sister M. L.
Beck, Xo. 20.
The ballot was spread with the following result: Sister Langham
received 27 votes, Sister Hanna 47 votes, Sister Beck 22 votes.
No choice appearing another ballot was taken, the name of Sister
Beck being dropped and the following result announced: Sister Langham received 32 votes, Sister Hanna 66 votes, blank 1.
Sister Hanna having received a majority of the votes cast was
declared duly elected Warden for the ensuing year.
For the office of Secretary the following were placed in nomination: Sister F. A. Walker, No. 1; Sister Evans, No. 13; Sister E.
Munroe, No. 2.
The ballot was spread with the following result: Sister Walker
received 57 votes, Sister Evans 30 votes, Sister Munroe 14 votes.
Sister Walker having received a majority of the votes cast was
declared duly elected Secretary for the ensuing year.
Nominations were invited for the office of Treasurer and the following were made: Sister E. G. Ferguson, No. 5; Sister M. E.
Dempster, No. 1; Sister M. Langham, No. 3; Sister A. Lee No. 13. 2879
The ballot was spread and the following result announced: Sister
Ferguson received 8 votes, Sister Dempster 13 votes, Sister Langham
39 votes, Sister Lee 38 votes, blank 1.
Neither candidate receiving a majority of votes a fresh ballot
was spread, the name of Sister Ferguson being omitted, with the
following result: Sister Dempster received 6 votes, Sister Langham
40 votes, Sister Lee 47 votes.
Sister A. Lee, No. 13, having received a majority of all the votes
cast was declared duly elected as Treasurer for the ensuing year.
The Grand Master announced that the Installation would take,
place tomorrow morning at the Knights of Pythias Hall, and appointed
Sisters E. Ellsperman, P.P., A. Hathaway, P.P., and E. H. Kittredge
of the Rebekah Assembly, State of Washington, to conduct the Installation.
It was on motion, Resolved, That this Assembly do now adjourn
to 10 o'clock a.m. tomorrow.
The Assembly adjourned accordingly.
SECOND DAY.
Knights of Pythias Hall,
New Westminster, B.C.,
10th June, 1908.
The Rebekah Assembly was opened in due form at 10 o'clock a.m
Past President Sister E. Ellsperman of Washington in the chair.
The Installation of the officers elect was proceeded with, the chair
being assisted by Sister A. Hathaway, and Sister E. H. Kittredge of
the Assembly of Washington. The following officers were presented;
duly obligated and installed into their respective chairs:
Sister M. E. Keith, No. 5, as President.
Sister F. Bacom, No. 16, as Vice-President.
Sister S. Hanna, No. 2, as Warden.
Sister F. A. Walker, No. 1, as Secretary.
Sister A. Lee, No. 13, as Treasurer.
The President appointed the following to fill the appointive offices
and they were duly installed in their respective chairs:
Sister M. Langham, No. 3, as Marshal.
Sister M. L. Beck, No. 20, as Conductor.
Sister M. Muir, No. 9, as Chaplain.
Sister L. Tait, No. 17, as Inside Guardian.
Sister S. Walker, No. 15, as Outside Guardian. 288o
The President appointed the following Committee on Credentials:
Sisters H. Cozens, No. 2; E. Taylor, No. 1; and E. J. Ferguson, No. 5.
Sisters Dempster, No. 1, and Insley, No. 5, were appointed a
Committee to wait on the Grand Lodge and receive the Constitution
and By-laws for the government of the Assembly. The Committee
on its return reported that the Grand Lodge were considering the
Constitution and would forward it to the Assembly as soon as adopted.
The President appointed the following as District Deputy Presidents for the coming year:—
Sister P. Lange, for District No. 1, comprising Lodge No. 1.
Sister M. Yeandle, for District No. 2, comprising Lodge No. 2.
Sister Crossan, for District No. 3, comprising Lodge No. 3.
Sister M. G. Coatham, for District No. 4, comprising Lodge No. 5.
Sister M. Currie, for District No. 5, comprising Lodge No. 9.
Sister E. Evans, for District No. 6, comprising Lodge Xo. 13.
"Sister , for District No. 7, comprising Lodge No. 14.
Sister S. Walker, for District No. 8, comprising Lodge No. 15.
Sister L. M. Bulger, for District No. 9, comprising Lodge No. 16.
Sister A. Mason, for District No. 10, comprising Lodges Nos. 17
and 18.
Sister , for District No. 11, comprising Lodge No. 19.
Sister M. Carlson, for District No. 12, comprising Lodge X~o. 20.
Sister , for District No. 13, comprising Lodge No. 21.
It was moved, seconded and carried: That "Ivy" Rebekah Lodge,
No. 14, "Maple Leaf" Rebekah Lodge, No. 19, and "Naomi" Rebekah
Lodge, No. 21, be each requested to nominate a Sister to act as District
Deputy President for their respective Lodges.
It was moved, seconded and carried, That a fee of one dollar be
collected in each case for conferring the Assembly Degree.
On motion the Assembly adjourned to 2 o'clock p.m.
AFTERNOON SESSION
The Assembly reassembled at 2 o'clock p.m., all the officers present.
All present were examined and reported properly qualified and the
Assembly was declared open for business.
A deputation from the Grand Lodge, consisting of A. Henderson,
P.G.M., P. W. Dempster, P.G.R, and F. Davey, Grand Secretary,
attended and presented the Assembly with the Constitution, By-laws
and Rules of Order adopted for its Government. The Grand Secretary announced that the Grand Lodge had been pleased to donate to
the Assembly all supplies on hand applicable to Rebekah Lodges,
and also had directed an order to be drawn on the Grand Treasurer 288i
for the sum of one hundred dollars in favor of the Assembly to assist
in meeting its initial expenses. On behalf of the Grand Lodge he
expressed its best wishes for the prosperity and success of the Assembly.
It was moved, seconded and carried, That a hearty vote of thanks
be extended to the Grand Lodge for its generous donation of supplies
and money.
Bro. A. Henderson, P.G.M., and P. W. Dempster, P.G.R., returned
thanks on behalf of the Grand Lodge for this expression of appreciation, and extended the Assembly their best wishes for its success.
The deputation from the Grand Lodge having retired,
It was on motion, Resolved, That the Resolution adopted this
morning to charge one dollar for conferring the Assembly Degree be
reconsidered.
The motion on again being submitted to the vote was declared
to be lost.
The consideration of the Constitution, etc., forwarded by the Grand
Lodge was proceeded with and the following amendments were adopted.
Constitution—Sec. 5—Strike out the words "each twenty-five members or major fraction thereof" in lines 2 and 3 and insert in lieu
the words "its membership of fifty or under, and one additional
Representative if its membership exceeds fifty in number."
Strike out the words "or a Past Grand of a Subordinate Lodge
who is also a member of a Rebekah Lodge in good standing" in lines
4, 5 and 6; also strike out the words "Past Grand or" in line 6.
Sec. 6—Strike out the words "or Past Grand" in last line.
Sec. 10—Strike out the word "three" in line two and insert the
word "five" in place thereof.
It was on motion, Resolved, That this Assembly do now adjourn
to 10 a.m. tomorrow.
The Assembly adjourned accordingly.
THIRD DAY.
11th June, 1908.
The Assembly met at 10 a.m. pursuant to adjournment, President
Sister Keith in the chair. At the Call of the Roll all the officers were
found to be present.
The minutes of yesterday's session were read and with some slight
corrections were adopted. 2882
The President appointed the following to form the Finance Committee : Sister M. A. Phillips, No. 1; Sister F. Bacom, No. 16, and
Sister E. G. Ferguson, No. 5.
Sister Ferguson, No. 5, on behalf of the Committee on Credentials
reported that all the Credentials had been taken up so they were not
in a position to report.
The consideration of the Constitution, By-laws and Rules of
Order was resumed.
Section 24 of the Constitution was amended by striking out the
Secretary as Chairman of the Committee on Credentials.
Rules of Order, No. 8—After the word shall" in the second line
insert the words "if required."
It was moved, seconded and carried, That the Constitution, Bylaws and Rules of Order be adopted as amended.
A communication was read from Sister Anna H. Lueders, Past
President of the Assembly of Washington, regretting that she was
unable to be present and take part in the institution of the Assembly
and . wishing it success and an abundance of prosperity for all time
to come, which was on motion ordered to be received and filed and its
receipt acknowledged.
Moved seconded and carried, That the bonds of the Treasurer be
fixed at two hundred dollars.
It was moved and seconded, That a sincere vote of thanks be
tendered to Sisters Ellsperman, Hathaway and Kitteridge of the
Assembly of Washington for their great assistance at the institution
and during this session, and that an order be drawn on the Treasurer
for the expenses incurred by these sisters in attending. These sisters,
however, declined to accept any expenses stating that it afforded them
a great pleasure to be present and render any help in their power.
Moved, seconded and carried, That we show our great appreciation
and gratitude by a hearty clap of the hands, which was accordingly
done.
Resolved, That the Secretary convey to the Mayor of the City, W.
H. Keary, Esq., the thanks of this Assembly for kindness shown the
members of this Assembly during our visit to the city.
At the request of the Assembly Sister A. M. Hathaway, P.P.,
Assembly of Washington, exemplified the Secret Work in a very able
manner.
Resolved, That the Secretary act as Chairman of the Committee
on Printing with Sisters Cozens, No. 2, and Ferguson, No. 5, as
the other members of the Committee.
It was moved, seconded and carried, That the per capita tax on
the Subordinate Lodges be fifty cents per annum, payable 25 cents on
30th June and 25 cents on 31st December.
No further business offering, it was moved, seconded and carried,
That this Assembly do now adjourn sine die..
The Assembly was then closed in due form.
(SEAL)
FRANCES A. WALKER,
Secretary, INDEX
Addresses of Welcome 2734
Assessment for Home 2871, 2847
Badges, recognized as Regalia 2734
Bell, J., Questions by 2828, 2843
California Grand Lodge, Refund 2765, 2777, 2802, 2814, 2833
Relief 2851
Committees, Appointment of 2732, 2735, 2736, 2829, 2854
Constitution, Grand Lodge, Amendment to 2817, 2824
Rebekah Assembly 2817, 2818, 2848
Lodges, Amendment to 2821, 2838
Subordinate Lodges, Amendment to 2817, 2820, 2838
Dawson Lodge, No. 1, Dawson City ! 2848
D.D.G.M's., Appointment of 2738, 2853
Reports of 2757
Directory, Odd Fellows 2819, 2828
Election of Representatives 2828, 2843
Ellsperman, G. A 2833, 2849
Evans, R. T., re Odd Fellows' Directory 2819, 2828
Fagan, Dr., Address of 2831, 2843, 2850
Funeral Aid Association 2828, 2832
General Relief Committees 2775
Grand Lodge Books, Auditing and Closing of 2838
Degree 2734, 2817, 2825, 2833, 2836
" " Meeting of 2839
" Officers, Election of 2833 INDEX.—Continued.
Grand Lodge Officers, Installation of 2852
Master, Decisions of 2746
" Dispensations by 2748
Installations by 2738
Visits of 2751
Secretary to Receive all Monies 2838
" Sire, Correspondence with 2740
" Decisions of 2787
Institution of Lodges 2738, 2763
Jewels for Past Grand Masters 2850
Lecturer, Appointment of 2828, 2831
McColl, W., P.G.M., Death of 2739
New Business, Introduction of 2833
Odd Fellows' Building Association, Strathcona, Alberta 2744
Home Fund 2764, 2773, 2776, 2814, 2829
Passwords, Annual Travelling 2843
Phillips, J. E., P.G.M., Death of 2843
Rebekah Assembly, Constitution of 2817, 2818, 2819, 2848
Donation to 2818
Reports, Committee on Appeals 2847
" Constitutions 2817, 2847
" " " Correspondence 2824
" Credentials 2732
" Distribution 2816
I Finance 2823, 2837, 2838, 2849
I Funeral Aid Association 2832
| Judiciary 2843
I Laws of Subordinates 2823,2837
I Legislation 2838
" Mileage and Per Diem 2840
" Odd Fellows' Home 2829, 2832, 2844 INDEX.—Continued.
Reports, Committee on Petitions
I " Printing
2824
2833
" Rebekah Lodges 2839
" Resolutions 2850
" State of the Order 2828, 2831, 2844
" " Statistics re Dues and Benefits 2825
" Widow and Orphan's Fund 2845
Grand Master 2736
" Representatives 2780
" Secretary 2766, 2813
" Treasurer 2779
Representatives to Grand Lodge, Election of 2828, 2843
Rituals, New 2775, 2801, 2813, 2821, 2838
Saskatchewan, Grand Lodge of, re Home 2776, 2819
Secret Work, Spurious Publications of 2745
Tingley, F. C, Claim for Benefits of 2836, 2847
Transfer Certificates 2764, 2805, 2820, 2821
Visitors 2734, 2819, 2839, 2845, 2850
Widows and Orphans, Care of 2829, 2845 PAST GRAND MASTERS
OP THE
GRAND LODGE OF B. If 1.0.0. F.
*J. S. Drummond 1874 Victoria Lodge, No. 1.
=TOHN WEILER 1875 Victoria Lodge, No. 1.
|i P. Davids 1876 Columbia Lodge, No. 2.
+JtU Roberts 1877 Victoria Lodge, No. 1.
JW. J. JEEFREE 1878 Columbia Lodge, No. 2.
IChari.ES Gowen 1879 Victoria Lodge, No. 1.
J. WriglESWorTh 1880 Dominion Lodge, No. 4.
B. W. Shines 1881......New Westminster Lodge, No. 3.
Henry Waiter 1882 Columbia Lodge, No. 2.
--Alexander Phillips. .1883 Victoria Lodge, No. i.
W. D. McKillican. .... 1884 Dominion Lodge, No. 4.
|Wm. McColl 1885 New Westminster Lodge, No. 3.
JJFred'k Carne 1886 Victoria Lodge, No. 1.
||Joshua Davies 1887 Victoria Lodge, No. 1.
Joshua Davies,re-elected 1888 Victoria Lodge, No. 1.
**J. H. Meldram 1889 Columbia Lodge, No. 2.
E. Quennell 1890 Black Diamond Lodge, No. 5.
-*-J. E. Phillips 1891 Dominion Lodge, No. 4.
fftj. B. Philips 1892 New Westminster Lodge, No, 3.
James Crossan 1893 Black Diamond Lodge, No. 5.
T. C. Gray 1894 Western Star Lodge, No. 10.
W. B. Holmes 1895 Victoria Lodge, No. 1.
H. B. Gilmour 1896 Western Star Lodge, No. 10.
W. H. Morton 1897 Black Diamond Lodge, No. 5.
A. Henderson 1898 Columbia Lodge, No. 2.
D. Welsh 1899 Royal City Lodge, No. 3.
tfW. B. Johnstone 1900 Vancouver Lodge, No. 8.
W. Hogg 1901 Western Star Lodge, No. 10.
A. Graham 1902 Victoria Lodge, No. 1.
B. C. Arthur, M.D 1903 Kootenay Lodge, No. 16.
T. F. Neelands 1904 Vancouver Lodge, No. 8.
D. B. Mackenzie 1905 Royal City Lodge, No. 3.
F. B Simpson 1906 Key City Lodge No. 42.
T. Embleton 1907 Rossland Lodge No. 36.
Died 6th February, 1884
tDied 18th March, 1885
+ Died 24th December, 1897
=Died 6th September. 1899
JtDied 7th April, 1905
ffDied 25th August, 1904
^ Died 12th June, 1907.
tDied 20th September, 1879
|Died 8th December, 1892
Ceased membership
-r Died 22nd November, 1900
**Died 24th February, 1905
ttfDied 23rd March, 1907
-^-Died 30th January, 1908. ADDRESSES OF THE OFFICERS
-OF THE-
Grand Lodge of British Columbia I.O.O.F.
H. T. Fulton, Grand Master l Ladysmith
Wallace Law, Deputy Grand Master Vancouver
E. L. Webber, Grand Warden New Westminster
Fred Davey, Grand Secretary Victoria
W. H. Cullin, Grand Treasurer Victoria
D. G. Dailey, Grand Representative Nanaimo
C. S. Keith, Grand Representative New Westminster
F. J. Squire, Grand Chaplain Nelson
C. I. Chapman, Grand Marshal Kamloops
W. Walker, Grand Conductor \ Cumberland
J. Moffet, Grand Guardian Vernon
R. Dudley, Grand Herald Fernie
The next annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of British
Columbia will be hejd at Vancouver, commencing Wednesday, the 9uh
day of June, 1909.
SUPPLIES
The following rates will be charged for Supplies, all orders for
which must be signed by the Secretary, bear the seal Of the Lodge,
and be accompanied by the necessary amount to pay for the same.
Remit by Money Order or add exchange to cheques.
Subordinate Lodge Rituals $ 3 00
Visiting and Withdrawal Cards and Dismissal Certificates 25
Book of Forms 1 25
Book of Odes with music 75
Busbee's New Digest 4 00
Lodge Odes 5
Odes with music Subordinate and Rebekah Lodges 10
Anniversary Odes 5
Funeral Hymns, with responses 5
Anniversary Ceremony 30
Memorial and Decoration Ceremony 30
Officer's Roll Book 1 25
Question Book v.ej
Order on Treasurer's Book, 250 orders 1 50
Initiation Petitions (per 100) 1 50
Subordinate Lodge Degree Chart (each) 3 00
Question Book 1 50
Bound Proceedings, Grand Lodge of B. C.,,.1886 to 1906 2 50
Bound Proceedings, Grand Lodge of B. C, 1874 to 1885 1 50
Subordinate Lodge Floor Work 50
Black Book 2 00
Official Certificates and Receipts for Dues, in books of 100.... 80
Secret Work in Cypher, Subordinate Lodges 40
Attendance Register -. 2 00
Transfer Certificates 3
Certificate of Membership on plate paper 75

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